Artists from Bahrain and across the world are being invited to submit proposals for a major festival, taking place as part of the fourth edition of Muharraq Nights in December.
‘In the Lapse of Tides’ will be curated by Al Riwaq Art Space and submissions can include art installations, multimedia works, performance pieces, commissioned creations, design murals, sculptures, archival projects and documentary films.
“The festival draws its title from a natural phenomenon, but reimagines it as a philosophical and cultural metaphor that reflects fluctuation, uncertainty and transformation,” Al Riwaq explained, in a statement.
It will run from December 1 to 31 at a number of locations along the historic Unesco World Heritage Site of Muharraq’s Pearling Path, where the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is once again staging its much-anticipated festivities to coincide with the kingdom’s National Day celebrations.
‘In the Lapse of Tides’ is described by Al Riwaq as ‘an exploratory journey stretching across time, space and memory, where the personal intersects with the collective, sound intertwines with silence, and presence becomes absence’.
More than 500,000 visitors attended the third edition of Muharraq Nights last year
Al Riwaq is calling for proposals across a multidisciplinary range of media.
These include installation art in public spaces, sound, audio and multimedia works that are site-responsive or participatory, solo or collective performances, newly-commissioned works created specifically for the festival, temporary pavilion designs, murals and sculptures, archival projects and documentary films, and artworks that are participatory or community-based.
All submitted artworks must be suitable for outdoor display.
Applicants must provide a full submission package, including an artist statement of up to 300 words outlining their overall vision and approach, as well as a project proposal of up to 1,000 words that clearly articulates how the proposed work relates to the festival’s narrative and conceptual themes.
The proposal should describe the idea and execution, specify the preferred location, and detail the technical and production requirements while also stating the artistic category under which it falls.
An updated CV must also be included, along with a portfolio of between five and 10 images or links to past work.
For commissioned works, an estimated budget is required.
According to Al Riwaq, ‘In the Lapse of Tides’ is framed around four axes guiding its exploration – ‘Between Sound and Silence’ engages with absence, existence and the body as a vessel of hidden voice; ‘Steps on Water’ reflects on the archiving of memory in Muharraq through rituals, markets and the Fijiri tradition; ‘Trace of the Wave’ examines how the shift from pearl diving to a capital economy reshaped space and memory, with women as often invisible agents; while ‘The Collective Body’ focuses on co-existence and the fragile beauty of everyday urban life, from neighbours’ informal ties to kitchens, windows and streets.
The deadline for submissions is September 17, and shortlisted artists will be notified by October 1.
The production and co-ordination phase will then take place through October and early November.
Selected artists will receive a production budget, technical and logistical support, research and archival assistance if required, and opportunities for artist talks and workshops.
The fourth edition of Muharraq Nights will once again transform the 3.5-km Pearling Path into a vibrant celebration of Bahrain’s heritage and cultural life.
Last year’s edition attracted more than 500,000 visitors and featured open-air art installations, traditional crafts, musical performances, lectures, seminars, interactive sessions, food and drink and special tours of the heritage site.
For further details and to submit projects, visit Al Riwaq’s social media channels and website.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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