Latest news with #BahrainAuthorityforCultureandAntiquities
Daily Tribune
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Italy marks Republic Day with reception in Manama
The Embassy of Italy in Bahrain held a reception to mark the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic, attended by ministers, diplomats and senior government figures. Among the guests were Justice Minister, His Excellency Nawaf Al Ma'awda, Sustainable Development Minister Noor Al Khulaif, and the President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) H.E. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Also present were H.E. Ambassador Dr Shaikha Munira bint Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, director-general of the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies, and H.E. Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who oversees bilateral affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. H.E. Italian Ambassador Andrea Catalano welcomed those in attendance and thanked Bahrain for its role in supporting what he described as a longstanding friendship between the two countries. 'I'm extremely honoured today to host this celebration, the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic, here in Bahrain,' he said. 'It commemorates the friendship between our two nations, which we will work to make even stronger, building on the visit of Prime Minister Meloni to the Kingdom last January and future visits we hope to see to Italy.' The reception in Manama followed a number of recent meetings and visits between Rome and Bahrain, with both sides aiming to deepen political and economic ties.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Crown Prince Congratulates BACA Team on Global Architecture Win at Biennale Architettura 2025
SK His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), along with the team behind the Kingdom's acclaimed participation at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025 (Biennale Architettura 2025), at Gudaibiya Palace. The meeting followed Bahrain's recognition at the prestigious event, where the national pavilion earned the award for Best National Participation, marking a milestone in the Kingdom's cultural and architectural representation on the global stage. During the meeting, His Royal Highness underscored the critical role of Bahrain's talented national workforce in achieving international excellence. 'Bahrain's achievements across sectors are built on the ambition and dedication of its people,' HRH stated, adding that their contributions continue to support the Kingdom's comprehensive development journey led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister praised the team's creative and meaningful work at the Biennale, which showcased Bahrain's architectural identity and tackled global environmental issues with visionary insight. He emphasized the importance of integrating innovative approaches to reinforce Bahrain's leadership in international cultural arenas. 'This award is not only a win for Bahrain but also recognition of our proactive engagement in sustainable urban development and environmental discourse,' HRH noted. His Royal Highness expressed pride in the national pavilion's success and conveyed appreciation to everyone involved in its development, describing it as a testament to Bahrain's rich architectural legacy and its future-focused vision. HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the international recognition is a direct result of the continued guidance and patronage from His Majesty the King and the strategic directives issued by HRH to amplify Bahrain's cultural presence worldwide. Also in attendance at the meeting were His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy.
Daily Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain marks 100 years of theatre achievements
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has launched a series of initiatives and events to commemorate the centenary of theatre in the Kingdom in a landmark celebration of Bahrain's rich artistic legacy. The program highlights a century of theatrical evolution, recognising theatre's pivotal role in enriching national culture and fostering artistic talent. The year-long celebration underscores BACA's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting the arts within the community. Beginnings It traces the beginnings of Bahraini theatre to 1925, when students at Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifiya Boys School in Muharraq staged the first documented school theatrical production — an event that laid the foundation for a flourishing theatrical movement. Over the past 100 years, Bahraini theatre has grown into a vibrant sector, giving rise to a number of prominent theatre groups, including Awal Theater, Al Sawari Theater, Al Reef Theater, Al Bayader Theater, and Gilgamesh Theater. These groups have not only nurtured generations of Bahraini directors, actors, and writers but have also represented the Kingdom at regional and international forums, earning critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. Speaking on the occasion, Farah Matar, Director General of Culture and Museums at BACA, described the centenary as 'a moment of reflection on a century of creativity and cultural contribution.' She emphasised the importance of honoring the generations that laid the groundwork for the theatrical arts in Bahrain and pledged continued support for emerging talent. 'The development of Bahraini theatre is the result of collective efforts by official institutions, independent theatre groups, and engaged audiences,' Matar said. 'The Authority remains committed to working with its partners to foster sustainable platforms for creative expression.' Mohammed Al-Saffar, President of the Federation of Bahraini Theatrical Associations, echoed these sentiments, calling the centenary 'both a tribute to our theatrical legacy and a call to invest in the future.' Talent He stressed the importance of building a broad-based audience and supporting young talent, noting that 'a thriving theatre scene must be inclusive and rooted in awareness and artistic diversity.' As part of the centennial celebrations, BACA, in collaboration with the Federation of Bahraini Theatrical Associations, is implementing a series of projects aimed at documenting and celebrating the Kingdom's theatrical history.
Business Mayor
10-05-2025
- General
- Business Mayor
kingdom of bahrain's heatwave pavilion wins venice architecture biennale 2025 golden lion
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been awarded Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale for its pavilion, Heatwave. Curated by Andrea Faraguna and commissioned by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the exhibition offers a grounded and urgent response to one of today's most pressing climate challenges: extreme heat. Celebrated for its environmental intelligence and social consideration, Heatwave was praised by this year's International Jury, comprised of Hans Ulrich Obrist (President, Switzerland), Paola Antonelli (Italy), and Mpho Matsipa (South Africa), for its presentation of 'viable proposals for extreme heat conditions,' combining tradition with innovative design. With works by Wafa Al Ghatam, Eman Ali, Alexander Puzrin, and Mario Monotti, Heatwave stands out for its thoughtful integration of traditional Bahraini cooling systems, including wind towers and shaded courtyards, with contemporary material research. The pavilion functions as a full-scale, inhabitable prototype, defined by a raised platform, suspended ceiling, and central supporting column that together depict how passive cooling techniques can be reimagined to address global warming in real-time conditions. Its spatial framework doubles as a climatic device, shaping microclimates through materiality and form. all images by Andrea Avezzù heatwave addresses extreme heat in the nation Designed to be modular and scalable, the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion imagines how such systems could be implemented across diverse contexts, particularly in public outdoor spaces where exposure to extreme heat is highest. As the designers explain, 'Architecture must address the dual challenges of environmental resilience and sustainability. The ingenious solution can be deployed in public spaces and in locations where people must live and work outdoors in conditions of extreme heat. The pavilion uses traditional methods of passive cooling typical of the region and reminiscence of wind towers and shaded courtyards.' Read More Budapest Festival Orchestra website design Heatwave also centers the lived experiences of vulnerable outdoor workers, especially those in construction, who work in tough and often extreme climatic conditions, and reframes thermal comfort as a question of equity and public well-being. In doing so, the project introduces the concept of the 'thermal commons' — a shared environmental resource — and advocates for architectural approaches that are porous, adaptive, and communal. Scenarios explored in the pavilion include schoolyards, urban intersections, and other high-heat environments, positioning Heatwave as both a practical proposal and a provocation for rethinking the civic role of architecture in the face of climate emergency. Kingdom of Bahrain awarded Golden Lion for Best National Participation additional accolades at the venice architecture biennale 2025 The International Jury also awarded Special Mentions to the Holy See and Great Britain. The Holy See's Opera aperta, curated by Marina Otero Verzier and Giovanna Zabotti, features work by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and MAIO Architects, and was recognized for its thoughtful engagement with spatial openness and spiritual reflection. The British Pavilion's Geology of Britannic Repair, curated by Owen Hopkins, Kathryn Yusoff, Kabage Karanja, and Stella Mutegi, brings together collaborators such as cave_bureau and the Palestine Regeneration Team (PART), and was commended for its critical take on colonial and ecological legacies embedded in the British landscape. titled heatwave, the exhibition offers a grounded and urgent response to the challenge of extreme heat. Heatwave stands out for its integration of traditional Bahraini cooling systems with contemporary material research functioning as a full-scale prototype with a raised platform, suspended ceiling, and central supporting column Read More Core77 Weekly Roundup (6-5-23 to 6-9-23) Heatwave centers the lived experiences of vulnerable outdoor workers project info: name: Heatwave curator: Andrea Faraguna exhibitors: Andrea Faraguna, Wafa Al Ghatam, Eman Ali, Alexander Puzrin, Mario Monotti commissioner: S haikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities program: Venice Architecture Biennale location: Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion, Arsenale, Venice, Italy
Gulf Insider
10-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Wins Golden Lion Award at Venice Architecture Biennale for 'Sweating Assets'
Bahrain Wins Golden Lion Award at Venice Architecture Biennale for 'Sweating Assets'In a globally celebrated moment, Bahrain's national pavilion 'Sweating Assets' won the prestigious Golden Lion Award for Best National Participation at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. The announcement was made during the official awards ceremony held on Saturday in Venice, Italy. The award was accepted by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Commissioner General of the pavilion, alongside key team members including Deputy Commissioner Engineer Noura Al Sayeh, curator Andrea Vargona, and pavilion director Batool Al Shaikh. This marks Bahrain's second Golden Lion win, the first having been in 2010. 'This is a tremendous honor for the Kingdom of Bahrain,' said Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed. 'We are grateful to La Biennale di Venezia for offering such a vital global platform that fosters the exchange of ideas and innovation. Our pavilion, Sweating Assets, addresses not only Bahrain's environmental challenges but also those faced by the world. We aimed to spotlight these pressing issues through an innovative architectural lens,' he added, thanking the dedicated team for their outstanding contributions. Pavilion curator Andrea Vargona expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's support: 'I extend my gratitude to Bahrain, the Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and the Biennale jury for their unwavering support. This recognition is a tribute to the collective effort of all contributors who helped bring this vision to life.' Bahrain's Sweating Assets pavilion, located in the historic Arsenale venue of the Biennale, is the country's eighth participation in the global exhibition. The project aligns with this year's overarching theme: 'Intelligent, Natural, Industrial, Collective,' offering Bahrain's architectural perspective on environmental and social challenges. The pavilion presents a passive cooling system inspired by traditional Bahraini methods, addressing the growing threat of rising global temperatures. It proposes an architectural solution that enhances environmental adaptability and sustainability—particularly vital for regions increasingly affected by heatwaves. The structure features a thermal well and solar chimney to channel ground moisture into outdoor air, demonstrating a practical and scalable model suitable for various urban settings. It also emphasizes the interplay between architecture, climate, and social justice. The research behind the pavilion included contributions from a wide network of experts: Iman Ali, Abdullah Janahi, Alexander Buzarin, Caitlin Mueller, Eduardo Jackson Alvarez, Jonathan Brierley, Leila Al Shaikh, Latifa Al Khayyat, Leslie Norford, Maytham Al Mubarak, Maryam Al Jameeri, Mohammed Salem, Paris Pezanis, Viola Zhang, and Wafa Al Ghatam. The pavilion's structural design was led by Alexander Buzarin and Mario Monotti. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities will also release a printed publication alongside the pavilion, featuring digital analyses, essays, and surveys to further expand the academic and practical impact of the project.
