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Leaders
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Art Bridges Opens Applications for 2025–2026 Global Programs
Saudi Arabia's Visual Arts Commission has launched its 'Art Bridges' initiative for 2025–2026 to further support cultural exchange, according to Arab News. The upcoming programs will take place in Scotland, Japan, South Korea, and Spain. The first edition, held in collaboration with the British Council Scotland, will be hosted in Scotland from September 22 to 27. Subsequent editions will take place in Japan from October 31 to November 7, then South Korea from November 19 to 27, with Spain hosting the final program from March 2 to 9, 2026. 'Each edition of Art Bridges will mirror the character of its host country, featuring meetings with thought leaders, visits to pioneering cultural institutions, museums, galleries, and artist studios. Moreover, the program boasts several workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, as well as discussions with prominent local artists. Various Themes The 2025–2026 Art Bridges programs will each focus on a specific theme. In Japan, the edition will concentrate on art and the environment, delving into how artists engage with natural, urban, and traditional landscapes. Meanwhile, South Korea's program will explore questions of identity through art and society, highlighting community cultural movements, independent artist spaces, along with collaborative platforms. In Spain, the program will highlight heritage and collaborative practice, underscoring how shared artistic expression intersects with cultural spaces and social purpose. Application and Requirements The application window for prospective participants opened on August 13. The deadline for Japan is set for August 21, while applications for South Korea and Spain will close on August 31. Applicants should meet these requirements, as follows: They must be over 21 years old They must possess a minimum of five years of professional experience Applicants must present a strong portfolio They must demonstrate fluency in English They must commit to attending the full program schedule The commission's CEO, Dina Amin, noted that the initiative represents a unique platform for cultural practitioners to share their creative voices with the world. Related Topics: Saudi Visual Arts Commission Hosts Digital Art Meeting Dina Amin appointed CEO of Visual Arts Commission James Turrell Joins Wadi AlFann at AlUla Arts Festival 2025 Short link : Post Views: 135
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish and Ukrainian school launch 'friendship' book partnership
It marks the first school in Scotland to take part – with four others in the country following suit. Lyndsay Ellis, a primary six teacher at the school, said the programme aligns with the school's existing 'Rights Respecting' work. She said: 'It allows our children to pass on the joy they've found in books to someone else, while also giving them the chance to meet other people. 'Particularly with Ukraine, it ties in beautifully, as we're discussing empathy, respect, resilience, and all those important values.' The primary is collaborating with Ternopil Lyceum 21, an arts school in Ternopil, in western Ukraine. It involves the pupils meeting once a week online, where they read and practice English together. Ms Ellis travelled to Poland for training ahead of the programme's launch in her class, where she met with fellow teacher Anzhelika Lishchenko – who teaches the Ukrainian class. Ms Ellis said: 'To actually sit face-to-face with someone who's living in a war zone was really an eye-opener. 'We have no grasp of that working in schools in Scotland – what it means to be heading for a bunker every day and the trauma that must put their kids through.' Read More She added: 'When I came back from Poland, I gave them the letters received from the class in Ukraine – they were beautifully written and the children had drawn little pictures. 'My pupils had recorded introduction videos and the Ukrainian children responded with their own. 'While we had consciously avoided mentioning the war, several of the Ukrainian children mentioned it in their letters, which my class found really interesting.' Over the past two months, the two classes have met regularly online, with teachers allowing students' interests to shape their interactions. Ms Ellis said: 'The children were really blown away at finding somebody in the class who likes to cycle just like them, or boys who are really into football. 'For the class, this connection gives them an idea that there's a wider world, but that despite the distance and what these kids are going through, they're still doing the same things, have the same hobbies and wishes for the future.' She hopes the pupils can eventually create collaborative reading projects using dual-language books, which feature the same stories in Ukrainian and English. She said: 'The plan is to create something tangible together, we'll arrange for the Ukrainian pupils to read in their language and our pupils in English – letting them hear native speakers while creating something meaningful together.' Peter Brown, director of British Council Scotland, said: 'This programme comes at a critical time when thousands of schools in Ukraine have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, with many children learning under difficult conditions and experiencing heightened anxiety and stress. 'Building international connections at school can be very powerful during these times. 'For the teachers and pupils involved, the connection with Ukraine is providing invaluable real-world context for their work on developing characteristics like resilience, empathy, respect, and global citizenship.' To find out more about British Council Scotland's work visit or follow on X, Facebook or Instagram.
