Manama: Bahrain’s Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa has called on artists and intellectuals to use their creativity as a means to foster rapprochement among peoples, promote the culture of peace and co-existence and reject extremist ideology and practices that pose a real threat to the present and future of humanity.
The creative aspects and civilisational dimensions of art convey a message that reflects the nations’ rich history and steady progress in elevating public taste and shaping peoples’ awareness and feelings, Prince Khalifa said as he opened the 42nd edition of the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition.
“Bahrain is proud of its elite of fine artists who have managed, through their artwork, to project the country’s image as the land of art and creativity,” he said. “Over the years, the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition has become a well-recognised specialised regional and international event, and the increasing number of participating artists indicates its prestigious reputation, in terms of preparation and organisation,” he said. “The exhibition has become an annual platform where fine artists and fine art lovers meet. It also reflects the Bahraini society’s artistic taste and keenness on using art to promote Bahrain’s cultural and artistic identity.”
This year, the 87 paintings and works of art are displayed at the exhibition.
Prince Khalifa said that the government’s support to cultural and artistic activities and its care for gifted artists were premised on the deep belief in the importance of culture and arts in expressing the advancement of societies and refining the public taste.
Investing in culture and art is among the important options used by countries vying for more development and progress, given their crucial role in building competencies and motivating them to work, he added, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported on Wednesday.
Prince Khalifa added that Bahrain’s long history stood witness to the Bahraini citizens’ attachment to art as a universal means of communication and stressed that the visions and ideas expressed by Bahraini artists were capable of ensuring a better future for the country.
