April 10, 2016
The 11th Spring of Culture festival has completed its programme, under the organisation of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research and the participating art galleries (Al Bareh Art Gallery, Al Riwaq Art Space and La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art). The festival includes 54 events and performances, making it the biggest in the festival’s history.
The festival, which follows the theme “Destination Bahrain” as part of BACA initiative to promote the Kingdom’s attractions, is being held from February until April. It features a variety of cultural and arts events including art exhibitions, music and song, performances and theatre as well as lectures and cinema, where 85% of events were free to the public.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of BACA , said, “Through the festival is a celebration that promotes the unique historical cultural assets which abound in Bahrain with the aim of building a sustainable cultural tourism industry. As such, we invite everyone through these activities to undertake an exciting journey of discovery of these numerous cultural assets that testify to a rich history which dates back many millennia.”
“The Spring of Culture once more affirms the role of culture as an effective tool to spread joy and facilitate constructive local and cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, which ultimately benefits and enriches all of humankind,” Shaikha Mai added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the EDB, commented:
“Over the years, The Spring of Culture has proven to be a benchmark for Bahrain’s rich culture and heritage, further strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism sector which is a key sector for development at the EDB.
“The festival has now become a flagship event in the culture and tourism calendar in the region, bringing together international and local talents and emphasises the results successful partnership between the public and private sectors can achieve.”
The festival programme features an array of events and activities that represent a wide spectrum of cultural pursuits and interests, from thought seminars, song and music concerts, theatrical productions, fine arts exhibitions, and more.
The Spring of Culture also features a number of community outreach initiatives revolving around culture and the arts. The Economic Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the University of Bahrain, provides teachers and university students with an opportunity to attend week long workshops and lectures covering various topics. A number of seats have also been dedicated for the Royal Charity Organisation children during events.
To develop Bahrain’s local talents, Spring of Culture is also organising a number of workshops in cooperation with La Fontaine Art Centre. Some of the participating troops will also hold educational sessions for the public, which can be booked through the dedicated line found in the Spring of Culture events brochure, or the website.
Spring of Culture Gold sponsors for this year are National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Huawei and Bahrain Airport Company. Silver sponsors are ALBA, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Bahrain Duty Free and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS). The event is also supported by BMMI.
