EFFORTS to attract young writers and further involve them in literary events will be high on the agenda of the newly-elected board of the Bahrain Writers Association (BWA).
Since its inception in 1969, the association, which falls under the umbrella of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, has been at the forefront of the literary and cultural scene in Bahrain.
It has staged numerous cultural and literary events, published books by Bahraini poets and writers, organised local and pan-Arab conferences of poetry and literature and conducted as well as published studies about Bahrain’s history and literature.
“The association, owing to its long history and the vital role it plays in Bahraini society, is always endeavouring to be actively involved in major literary events in Bahrain, the Arab world and beyond,” said BWA president Dr Rashed Najem.
“We are now working on the cultural programme for this year.
“It will reflect the goals of the new board to reach out to the community and develop events and activities that attracts young people to the association’s programmes.”
The new programme will contain a bundle of new literary and cultural initiates covering a wide spectrum of topics focus on poetry, fiction, literary translation and children’s literature.
Dr Najem said the 2022-2023 board includes young members, adding they will showcase their creative talent and passion in different roles.
“One part of this outreach is to initiate a conversation and collaboration with the non-Arabic speakers in Bahrain, especially young people and those with interest in the creative forms of expression,” he said.
“Therefore, our new programme will cover several outreach initiatives to the wider community, including English-language based events such as creative writing and the power of narrative as a vehicle for expression, poetry, children’s literature.”
Dr Najem added that the aim is to revive Bahrain’s vibrant cultural scene, especially with the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
During the restrictions, the association did not slow down its literary and cultural initiatives but instead used technologies such as Zoom to organise many events that were attended by interested participants from Bahrain and abroad.
Weekly seminars and lectures continued to be held every Sunday evening.
The BWA, which is an associate member of the General Union of Arab Writers since 1972, is managed by members through a bi-annually elected board.
Besides Dr Najem, the new board is made up of general secretary Dr Safa Al Alawi, treasurer and head of cultural committee Karim Radhi, head of publishing committee Dr Abdelqader Al Marzooqi, head of youth committee Nada Naseem, head of public relations and media Saleh Yousif, head of fiction committee Dr Jaffer Al Hadi, head of translation committee Mohamed Almubarak and head of poetry committee Nadia Al Mallah.
For inquiries about BWA initiatives and activities, visit www.bahrainwriters.org.
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