MANAMA: The Kingdom of Bahrain is seeking internationalization and commercialization of local artists as part of the Government’s strategy to bring economic prosperity to this segment generally treated as a ‘hobby’ only.
Tamkeen announced the launch of International Art Fair ‘Art Bahrain Across Borders’ (Art BAB) initiative on Tuesday with an aim of adding a much needed commercial aspect to this segment.
Highlighting the salient aspects of the initiative during a Press conference held at Four Seasons Hotel Mrs. Amal Al Kooheji, Chief Operating Officer said of Tamkeen’s strategy 2015-2017 concentrates on three main pillars; namely customer centricity, quality and impact, and efficiency of services.
“We aim to take a closer look at the requirements of individual industry sectors and offer customized financial support, advisory and training to enable them to evolve into economic drivers,” she said.
Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain and President of the Supreme Council for Women Art BAB is an ambitious project of national impact that aims to solidify Bahrain’s position as a regional arts hub, and stimulate investment and economic activity in this flourishing sector.
The event will be held in Bahrain from the 22nd to the 26th of March 2017 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Art BAB is a culmination of the Kingdom’s recent success stories in the realm of the arts, and builds on the momentum of the last years’ international art exhibition as well as the success of the more recent ‘Bahraini Artists Across Borders’ (BAAB) initiative which was launched at the reputed Victoria and Albert Museum in London in May 2016.
“Art BAB is a paradigm of Tamkeen’s new strategic focus which centres on analysing the needs and growth potential of specific sub sectors and providing more tailored solutions to fuel their development. According to Tamkeen’s decision to spearhead Art BAB supports our new direction; Bahrain’s art sector is slowly emerging into a viable industry with vast potential to become an engine of economic growth. Until recently this sector did not receive the required attention and through initiatives such as Art BAB, we hope to steer it into new heights, inspiring entrepreneurship, art education and local skills development.”
