Latest news with #RAKArtFoundation
Gulf Weekly
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Culture connect
Two Bahraini artists are getting their work spotlighted as part of a transformation of an ambassadorial home during an initiative that was inaugurated last night. Renowned Bahraini creatives Adnan Al Ahmad and Aysha Hafez are part of the 'Artists in the Residence' collaborative project launched by the German Embassy and Rashid Al Khalifa (RAK) Art Foundation. 'At the RAK Art Foundation, we believe that artistic collaboration and cultural exchange are vital in building bridges between communities,' RAK founder and National Arts Council chairman Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa explained. 'This initiative with the German Embassy exemplifies how shared creativity can deepen mutual understanding and provide our artists with meaningful opportunities to engage with global audiences. 'We are proud to support platforms that celebrate the power of art to connect and inspire.' The core component of the cultural initiative is the transformation of German Ambassador Clemens Hach's residence with unique Bahraini pieces by Adnan and Aysha. 'I am deeply impressed by the result of this artistic transformation of my residence,' Ambassador Clemens added. 'Their wonderful artworks harmonise amongst themselves and with the space, and I am eternally grateful to Shaikh Rashid and his team and the artists for their support in making this artistic experiment work.' Adnan, a graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in Besançon, France, approaches his art through a deeply personal yet analytically structured lens. His work combines geometric form with layered composition, shaped by memory, imagination, and emotion. Through a scientific and symbolic methodology, Adnan reinterprets old and recent memories into new visual narratives, creating immersive pieces rich with introspection and abstraction. 'My works represent me personally and present stories and tales that pertain to me as a human being, with feelings, emotions, and memories like any other human being on earth,' he told GulfWeekly. 'I try to express them and present them so that others can share them with me, perhaps the stories and tales will be similar, and art will be a point of convergence and communication, united by a common factor: colour, calligraphy and fabric. 'With this project, I want to show Germans and foreigners, in general, that Bahraini artists are capable of reaching international fame and keeping up with any other artist anywhere with their art, style, culture, and knowledge. 'Bahrain has a rich history and an ancient civilisation that relied on the visual arts in many of its manifestations, such as Dilmun seals, textile and pottery industries, and ancient traditional architecture. 'The history of modern art here began in the 1950s and Bahraini artists have developed their art significantly, advancing in their presentation of their subject matter, style, and technique. 'They have become competitive in international forums as artists of their own stature and influence. 'It is a great honour for me personally to represent my country, Bahrain, anywhere in the world as an ambassador for my country, and to represent all Bahraini artists who are no less than me in level, performance, style and concept.' Aysha uses limestone as a mould for her forms, reflecting both delicacy and structure. Her work embraces themes of peace, beauty, and nature, symbolised by birds, doves, and olive branches, offering a poetic reflection on serenity and generosity. One of her collections highlighted in this exhibition is 'Whiteness', featuring a series of white sculptures using wood, stones, marble powder and other mixed media. 'In this series, I used limestone because it is easy to work on and make a mould for artworks down the road, and then I used marble powder for the final result. 'Some of my artworks have limited prints, but most of them are one of a kind.' For more details, follow @rakartfoundation, @hafuzaysha and @adnan60alahmed on Instagram.
Bahrain News Gazette
05-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
UNIDO Launches Creative Orange Economy Year in Collaboration with RAK Art Foundation
Manama: The UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain has announced the launch of the Orange Economy Year, a national initiative celebrating the power of creativity as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development, in collaboration with the RAK Art Foundation. The initiative was announced during a press conference at the RAK Art Foundation, reinforcing the Kingdom's commitment to fostering innovation, cultural leadership, and creative entrepreneurship globally. According to Bahrain News Agency, the Orange Economy, also known as the creative economy, encompasses art, culture, media, design, technology, and heritage industries. This sector is a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic diversification, contributing over $2 trillion to global GDP and supporting 50 million jobs worldwide. A central pillar of the initiative is the UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain Global Call 2025: Creative Orange Economy, a competition inviting entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators to submit creative and sustainable business ideas. This competition is open to participants worldwide, encouraging diverse and inclusive participation across three main categories: Eco-friendly Production, Digital Innovation, Cultural Heritage, and a special category for school and university students to foster young talent. Applications are open until September 1, and selected participants will be recognised at an awarding ceremony in December. The initiative offers access to mentorship, exposure, and potential global partnerships. The Orange Economy Year will also feature conferences, exhibitions, community engagement activities, and workshops focused on fostering innovation, preserving cultural heritage, and connecting Bahrain's creative talent with international markets. In collaboration with UNIDO, the RAK Art Foundation will play a central role by activating its educational arm, The Art Station, as a dynamic platform for creation, learning, and cross-cultural exchange. Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Founder of the RAK Art Foundation, expressed support for the UNIDO in launching the Orange Economy Year. He emphasized the Foundation's mission to support local talent, promote cultural dialogue, and position creativity at the core of sustainable economic development. Through The Art Station, they aim to empower Bahrain's creative community by providing access to mentorship, international networks, and professional opportunities. Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, commented on the collaboration with Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, highlighting the transformative power of art. This collaboration underscores the significant role of creativity in fostering economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. By promoting cultural leadership and nurturing creative entrepreneurship, they aspire to position Bahrain as a global epicenter for the Orange Economy.
Daily Tribune
07-04-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Spotlighting Bahrain's rich cultural heritage
The RAK Art Foundation was represented at Harvard University's prestigious Graduate School of Design (GSD) by its Director, curator and cultural advisor Yasmin Sharabi. Sharabi was invited as a guest speaker for a lecture titled 'The Sources of the Tree of Life,' held as part of the seminar Spatial Design Strategies for Climate- and Conflict-Induced Migration. The lecture was moderated by French curator Anissa Touati. The talk was part of the GSD's project-based seminar Spatial Design Strategies for Climate- and Conflict-Induced Migration, which explores the intersection of climate change, migration, and design. During the session, Sharabi spotlighted Bahrain's rich cultural heritage and the role of the RAK Art Foundation in nurturing a new generation of creatives. She shared insights into how the foundation is actively shaping a contemporary cultural narrative.
