People from across the kingdom can look forward to a wide range of entertainment as the 15th Bahrain Summer Festival kicks off on Sunday.
The edition, which runs until the end of the month, will boast an exciting series of live performances and interactive and creative educational workshops led by a carefully selected group of artists, craftsmen, specialists and cultural entities.
The much-awaited annual event is being organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca). According to Baca’s website, this year ‘features a fresh new identity inspired by the captivating nature and rich cultural heritage of Bahrain, bringing with it the joy and fun that it has always been known for’.
Watch the Australian 360 ALLSTARS perform live at the Cultural Hall from July 6 to July 8, 5pm and 7pm, for visitors aged five and above. The international smash hit including BMX riders, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, are thrilled to be coming to Bahrain as part of their 10-year anniversary World Tour.
The supercharged urban circus boasts a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes fusing the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.
From July 12 to July 15, UK’s ‘Ministry of Science Live! Science Saved the World’ will be held at 5pm and 7pm at the Cultural Hall for those aged seven onwards. Join the Ministry of Science presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and explore how it shapes the modern world we live in ... with a few loud bangs along the way.
The Spanish cheerful and lively show Maestrissimo aims to delight those aged five and above, on July 18 at 7pm at the Cultural Hall. It illustrates the adventures and misfortunes of a string quartet during the 17th and 18th centuries (Baroque and Neoclassicism) tackling topics such as ethics, creation, originality and the value of art in society while recapping key moments of classical music.
The American show The Wiz of the West by Missoula Children’s Theatre, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Manama, will be held on July 20 at 5pm at the Cultural Hall for those aged five and above.
The Missoula theatre is also holding auditions for young stars who wish to act in this charming theatrical production. Children will begin their first rehearsal session immediately after the audition. Auditions for youngsters aged eight to 18 will be held at Bahrain National Theatre on July 16 from 10am to noon.
Meanwhile, the Summer Festival’s workshops and activities will also provide a unique opportunity for individuals to learn, create and explore their artistic abilities.
On Sunday, children aged nine to 15 will be introduced to the arts and crafts of Pakistan using small clay pots with pre-made patterns and traditional motifs at the Art Centre. It’s being held in collaboration with the Pakistani Embassy. Participants will have the opportunity to paint the pots during the free event, held from 4pm to 6pm, under the supervision of professional Pakistani artist Sana Asad, who is the founder of Wild About Art.
Baca had introduced The Young Artisan initiative at the Al Jasra Crafts Centre this month with the aim of preserving the cultural value of crafts and traditional industries while equipping younger generations with the necessary skills to engage in these practices.
The summer programme designed for children aged seven to 12 starts on Monday offering a diverse range of workshops showcasing Bahrain’s traditional handicrafts. It will be held twice a week, every Monday and Wednesday from 9am to noon, under the guidance of skilled artisans from Al Jasra Crafts Centre with participants learning about the history, materials and traditional products associated with the crafts.
On Monday, youngsters aged eight to 15 can Paint like a Master under the guidance of artist Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, who is a member of the National Arts Council (NAC).
Participating children will not only get to watch the artwork on display but also learn various artistic techniques directly from the artist between 10am and noon at Bahrain National Museum. There is a registration form available.
There is an Art of Ebru workshop as well on Monday, from 4pm to 6pm, at the Art Centre for children aged nine to 15. They will learn the traditional Turkish art of marbling and how to create their own personalised artwork using pigment and water alongside artist Yousif Al Aradi.
On Tuesday, the Paint like a Master workshop series continues – but this time featuring artist Mariam Dashti, from 10am to noon at Bahrain National Museum. While children enjoy Ms Dashti’s art, others can opt to go on a free tour of Al Jasra Crafts Centre from 10am to noon to watch the artisans at work.
Then, join an outdoor painting workshop in front of the sea on Tuesday, where participating children aged seven to 14 will draw inspiration from the waterfront and express it on a canvas using acrylic colours. The workshop will be presented by artist Ebrahim Al Ghanim in collaboration with Sard Child’s Cultural House. It’s taking place at the Bahrain Fort Site Museum.
Another Paint like a Master session will be held on Wednesday from 10am to noon with artist Karim Al Janobi and from 4pm to 6pm, on the same day, there will be a Basics of Drawing Workshop at the Art Centre by Meraki Art Space.
Visit culture.gov.bh for registration fees and forms as well as for details on the other events to come.
mai@gdnmedia.bh.
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