Latest news with #GreenLifeArtCenter
Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Children artists in Oman showcase Emotions of Oceans
Young artists in Oman shine in third edition of 'Emotions of the Oceans' exhibition which opened at Bait al Zubair Museum on April 28 As part of the 400 Years of Maritime Heritage between Oman and the Netherlands and the broader Cultural Week celebrations, Green Life Art Center, in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Oman, presented the 3rd edition of 'Emotions of the Oceans Art Exhibition and Competition'- a vibrant celebration of young creativity, emotional storytelling, and environmental awareness. The event brought together colourful reflections on marine life, showcasing the emotional and imaginative connection young artists aged 6 to 15 years old feel toward the oceans and marine life. The selected artworks were exhibited during the celebration of Dutch King's Day at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Muscat, on April 27 and were on display at the inauguration at Bait Al Zubair Museum on April 28, which also marks the opening of the Dutch Cultural Week. The exhibition will continue at Bait Al Zubair Museum until May 8 for public addition to Emotions of the Oceans, Green Life Art Center has slated two interactive eco-art workshops at Bait Al Zubair Museum during the Cultural Week. These sessions will feature activities such as Green Book storytelling, eco-art projects, and educational tours, inspiring students to connect with sustainability, creativity, and cultural exchange. Alongside the exhibition, Emotions of the Oceans featured a children's art competition, where around 60 artworks were submitted by schools and independent participants. After a careful and fair judging process, 20 paintings and 3 sculptures were selected, celebrating outstanding artistic expression and emotional depth, disclosed Niasa Mobtada, founder of Green Life Art Group who has been championing the cause of promoting art with a message among budding, young artists in Oman. The participating schools and centres this year included Apple Green Private School, Asas Private School, Downe House International School, Green Life Art Center, Najeya Bint Amer Al Hajri Government School, Pakistan School Salalah, PDO School, and Sultan's School, besides independent to the event, Creative Mentorship sessions were offered to all participants — providing general creative guidance, exploration of marine themes, and encouragement for artistic growth without offering any unfair advantage in the competition judging panel combined cultural, artistic, and educational expertise, and included H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, Maryam al Alawi, renowned Omani contemporary artist, Green Life Art Center Team, and experts in art, education, psychology, and special opening ceremony at Bait Al Zubair Museum featured a live Dutch orchestra performance, speeches by distinguished guests, alongside the celebration of the young artists' creativity — marking a beautiful union of art, education, sustainability, and cultural friendship. Through Emotions of the Oceans and its broader Cultural Week activities, Green Life Art Center continues to empower young voices, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen cultural bonds between Oman and the Netherlands through the universal language of art. Cultivating a creative future At Green Life Art Center, our key motive is to inspire young minds to see art not just as a skill, but as a powerful way to express their emotions, connect with their environment, and find their unique voice. As an interdisciplinary centre focusing on art, psychology, and literature, we nurture not only artistic techniques but also emotional intelligence, imagination, critical thinking, and personal growth. We place a strong emphasis on well-being and sustainability, helping children develop a deep connection with themselves, their community, and the world around them. Through initiatives like Emotions of the Oceans, we hope to cultivate a new generation of talented, thoughtful artists who will enrich the cultural and creative landscape of the sultanate in the years to come. Niasa Mobtada
Observer
14-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman and Netherlands: Friends in diverse spectrum of areas
The relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Netherlands are deep-rooted since time immemorial and are anchored in history, navigating towards the future over four centuries of Dutch-Omani history. Building on time-tested joint collaborations, the participation of Dutch companies specialised in water management and climate-resilient solutions made a substantial impact at the annual Water Week hosted by Oman last week, drawing considerable attention. 'The presence of Dutch companies underscored our countries' shared commitment to tackling today's most pressing global challenges in areas where both Oman and the Netherlands have long histories of innovation and stewardship,' said Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Sultanate of Oman. 'As a continuation of this dynamic exchange, I am proud to announce that during the week of April 28, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Bait Al Zubair Museum, will host a Dutch Cultural Week in Muscat. This celebration of art, music and shared heritage will include several events open to the public,' she added. As the Dutch soil is all set to welcome His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, both nations are also commemorating a remarkable milestone in their shared history. Four centuries ago, Dutch merchant vessels made their historic entry into the Sea of Oman, marking the beginning of contact between both peoples. This early connection laid the foundation for the arrival of the Dutch East India Company's ship Concordia in 1651, which signalled the start of official trade relations between the two nations. Today, four centuries later, the spirit of those first encounters continues to thrive. What began as maritime trade has evolved into a multifaceted partnership grounded in a shared commitment to international cooperation. This relationship is not just about the past — it is very much alive in the present. This relationship continues to thrive, particularly in the field of sustainable logistics, water management and the energy transition. Stella further said that among these series of events is 'Food for Thought', a thought-provoking photography exhibition by renowned Dutch visual storyteller Kadir van Lohuizen, whose work explores themes of sustainability, climate change and global food systems. In addition, one of the highlighted events is the art competition 'The Emotion of the Oceans', organised in cooperation with the Green Life Art Center, which invites children up to 16 years old to express their creativity and raise awareness about ocean conservation through art. 'These musical collaborations reflect the spirit of exchange that has always defined Dutch-Omani relations — not only at the diplomatic level, but among our people.' From the bilateral relations point of view, the state visit is more than a historic moment. For the peoples of both countries, it is a powerful reminder of the opportunities that emerge when two nations cooperate and use dialogue as their compass. The state visit is the highest expression of bilateral relations, and it reflects the deep mutual respect and shared commitment between the two nations. 'From trade and technology to art and culture, our partnership is as vibrant today as it was in the 17th century. As we honour our shared past and look ahead to a sustainable, innovative future, I warmly invite all in Oman to join us during the Dutch Cultural Week (April 28 – May 1) to experience firsthand the creativity, collaboration and connection that continue to define our friendship. Together, Oman and the Netherlands are charting forward — anchored in history, driven by innovation and united by a shared vision for peace and stability,' Stella added.
