Applications close today for Bahraini designers, artists and innovators to showcase their talents on an international platform as part of the kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 taking place in Japan.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) recently issued an open call for artisans and businesses to be part of the gift shop within the kingdom’s prime location next year in Osaka.
“We are excited to announce an exclusive opportunity for local designers, artisans and businesses to showcase their products at the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion Gift Shop during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan,” a Baca spokesperson explained, in a statement on the authority’s website.
“This is your chance to represent the creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain on an international stage. Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to attract millions of visitors from across the globe, offering you an unparalleled platform to promote and sell your products to a diverse, global audience.”
Submissions are welcome across a variety of categories, including, but not limited, to
stationery (unique handcrafted notebooks, cards, writing tools, etc)
homeware (candles, pottery, kitchenware, vases, etc)
beauty (cosmetics, skincare, oils, soaps, etc)
fashion (apparel, scarves, bags, accessories, etc)
jewellery
and children’s items (toys, educational products, colouring books, storybooks etc)
Proposals must include a brief background about the artist or business, product description, images, materials and ingredients used as well as a cost breakdown.
Applicants must be 18 or older and products should be original creations, adhering to Bahraini cultural and ethical standards, plus ready for retail, not prototypes.
The selection committee will review submissions based on authenticity, quality, innovation, feasibility and marketability.
“Through a curated selection of products that blend tradition with modernity, the gift shop will reflect the kingdom’s ability to connect with the world through the sea, embracing both its past and its forward-looking vision for the future,” the statement added. “Each item embodies Bahrain’s spirit of resilience, adaptability and its drive to empower communities through shared cultural and economic exchange.”
Expo 2025 will take place on Yumeshima Island, Osaka, from April 13 to October 13 next year and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors. Its overall theme will be ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’.
The Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 will be under the theme ‘Connecting Seas’, highlighting Bahrain’s maritime heritage.
Bahrain’s pavilion will emphasise its enduring openness, connectivity and resilience, as well as its commitment to sustainability, focusing on environmentally conscious architecture and showcasing innovative solutions to the rising challenges of climate change and sea level rise.
“By incorporating elements inspired by traditional dhow craftsmanship and Japanese carpentry, the pavilion will also reflect Bahrain’s commitment to reusability and environmental responsibility,” the spokesperson added.
“Visitors will experience Bahrain’s unique story of resilience and forward-looking innovation through an immersive journey that blends the nation’s historical past with its ambitious vision for the future.”
The GDN previously reported that the Bahrain pavilion, designed by Lebanese French architect Lina Ghotmeh, draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini boats and boat building techniques and will be located in the ‘Empowering Lives’ area of the exhibition, facing the sea.
- The deadline to submit proposals is today before midnight.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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