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For the 14th  consecutive year, the Spring of Culture Festival returns in a new cultural season full of activities that cater to various tastes, interests and age groups and underscore the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a leading regional and global cultural hub. Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, the Economic Development Board and Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammad Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research, in cooperation  with Albareh Art Gallery and La Fontaine Gallery, announced the details of the 14th Edition of the Spring of Culture Festival events 2019, in a  press conference, which  was held at Al Khalifiayh Library, Muharraq, on 11 February 2019. This latest season of the festival comes as part of BACA’s year-long celebrations of Bahrain’s achievements under the slogan “From Jubilee to Another”- A Year of Celebrations 2019”.

The press conference was attended by  H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa BACA president, Mr. Khalid Al-Rumaihi, EDB CEO, as well as several diplomats and ambassadors, Spring of Cultur 14th ‘s edition  sponsors, cultural personalities and media members.
 
Speaking on the occasion, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa said: “ The Spring of Culture comes back for the 14th time, and hereby declare its 14th  edition of the open from Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifiya School, a beacon that reflects Bahrain’s social, economic and cultural advancements.”  H.E added “The school is one of the landmarks of this year’s celebrations of our national achievements under the slogan ‘From One Jubilee to Another’- A Year of Celebrations, as this year marks its 100th anniversary”. H.E  went on to note that “ The festival, which runs for more than two months, is a continuation of the nation’s journey of cultural achievements and the cross-roads of civilizations, with a full-fledged and diverse schedule of literary, musical, artistic, theatrical activities etc.”

H.E expressed her sincerest gratitude and thanks  the Economic Development Board and its CEO, Mr. Khalid Al-Rumaihi, saying “ Spring of Culture is our mutual biggest cooperation endeavor, gathering lovers of the Kingdom of Bahrain in one place for the development and enhancement of its cultural scene and its glorious world stage position”. H.E also extended thanks to all other festival’s contributors, such as Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammad Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research and its rich cultural program and the cooperation  of both  Albareh Art Gallery and La Fontaine Gallery. H.E also thanked all the sponsors of this year’s edition of the festival, affirming that culture remains an important for the progress  of society and achieve a sustainable development industry.     

Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the public and private sector sponsors of the Spring of Culture Festival, Al Rumaihi said: “The rise in sponsorship of the Spring of Culture festival year after year reflects the keenness of all stakeholders to establish Bahrain as a regional and global cultural centre. Over its past editions, the two-month festival has consolidated its reputation as an important cultural gathering that brings events and personalities from all over the world to Bahrain and enriches the local cultural movement.”
Mr. Khalid Al-Rumaihi, EDB Chief Executive Officer, added that with the aim of diversifying the economic base, giving a boost to non-oil revenues’ sectors, our strategic plan to support the Spring of Culture Festival,  has demonstrated how to connect and develop private sector investments in culture in order to highlight Bahrain’s openness to other world cultures since ancient times.  He also said attracting foreign investment in line with the Economic Development Board’s objective of supporting tourism as it is an important and growing sector that has significant competitive advantages and tremendous development and job creation potential, making Bahrain a favorite  international tourist destination.

The press conference’s singing interacts  were performed by  Bahraini artist Faisal Al Ansari, the star of  the Middle East’s most popular MBC TV talent contests” The Voice Ahla Sowt, accompanied by young talented Bahrainis musicians. The group performed sweet opera music, Medieval Andalusian muwashahat and genuine classical Arabic music.

The 2019 Spring of Culture’s Gold Sponsors include GFH Financial Group, National Bank of Bahrain,  Tamkeen and Batelco, while Silver Sponsors include Alba, Bahrain Airport Company, Bahrain Duty Free, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, and Huawei, and supported by Gulf Air. Also, special thanks to the embassies of Italy, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany and Egypt who are taking part in the program.

The 14th Edition of the Spring of Culture Festival presents a bouquet of a thousand flowers, ranging between amazing pulsating music, phenomenal performances, global talents to be hosted by cultural institutions, historical sites and iconic urban centers around Bahrain, building thus a bridge between Bahrain and the world at large. As is the case every year, The 14th Edition of the Spring of Culture festival kicks off on 25 February 2019, coinciding with Arab Tourism Day, held on 25 February each year, adopted by  the “ Manama Capital of Arab Tourism 2013”,  and also  in conjunction  with the birthday of Arab renowned explorer traveler  Ibn Batutah.

Exhibitions:

The 2019 festival season features numerous art exhibitions, starting with the 45th Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition which takes place at the Arena Tent at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel in Manama and highlights the works of various Bahraini and expat artists in the Kingdom. The Bahrain National Museum meanwhile will host three exhibitions: “Design Crossroads: The Jewellery of Saudi Arabia”, running until 3 April,  the “Golden Jubilee Celebration of Bahraini Diplomacy”  until 13 April, and the “Bahrain National Museum: A 30th Anniversary Retrospective”, which continue until 15 May 2019.

The Memory of the Place - Bin Matar House will host the exhibition “CERN in Bahrain”,
a showcase of the wonderful world of physics and secrets of the universe until 8 May 2019.  For its part, Albareh Art Gallery will host, from 19 Febryary-9 March 2019,  the fine arts exhibition “Nostalgia” highlighting the glass creations of artist Jamal Al-Yousif that reflect the “subconscious warmth that one feels from nostalgia”. Another exhibition "Pathways" by the Artist Rasmi Al-Khafaji, from March 12–31, features monochromatic watercolours that reveal the final hitherto unknown outcomes of the painting process.

The Art Centre will host,  From March 3–30, an exhibition of its own entitled “Noor” by Artist Marwa Rashid Al Khalifa that takes the public on a journey of her incredible paintings, photography and light installations, while La Fontaine Centre presents the Turkish exhibition “Spark!” featuring the works of Ali Abayoglu, an artist who sees beauty in what others deem to be rubbish and transforms these objects into charming and vibrant artworks using mundane materials, from March 16 to April 15.

Another exhibition, held at the Bahrain National Theatre, will allow audiences to witness the beauty of the traditional Korean costume known as the Hanbok from March 7 to May 5. Studio 244, a joint initiative between the Supreme Council for the Environment and BACA will transform Arad Bay Protected Area and Park into an open space for multiple art activities on 19 March 2019.

Music, Song and Shows

The Spring of Culture Festival is replete with song, music and theatre performances, including Scheherazade at the Bahrain National Theatre, a Russian ballet inspired by the tales of 1,001 Nights and first performed by one of the most influential ballet groups of the 20th century. The Bahrain Theatre will also host a musical evening “Alongside You” honouring the journey of the Bahraini icon Khalid Al Shaikh featuring the Bahrain Music Band and led by maestro Khalifa Zaiman, as well as a performance of Don Giovanni and the music of maestro Rene Jacobs performed by the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra.

Bahraini folk music is also very much present in this edition of the festival, where, starting from February 28, the Mohammed Bin Fares Hall for Fan Al-Sout in Muharraq will host the Mohammed Bin Fares Band in weekly evening concerts every Thursday that highlight the song heritage of diving, pearls, and other occasions. Dar Al-Riffa will also highlight the area’s local heritage on March 2, 16, 30 and April 13 and 27, while Dar Al-Muharraq will celebrate the various chants of the unique fjiri musical genre on March 9 and 23 and April 6 and 20.

 The Cultural Hall, in turn, is set to host a multicultural series of live performances starting all at 8:00pm, including a taste of quintessential Italian sounds by the Hathor Plectrum Quartet and tenor Aldo Gallone, while the Miyabi Ensemble showcases Japan’s signature Taiko drums and other traditional instruments such as the shinobue in two concerts on March 3 and 4 2019.

 In addition, the Cultural Hall will host a journey through the traditions of Azeri, Kurdish, Syrian and Armenian music by the Haidouti Orkestar, on March 7. Then on March 14, as well as Germany’s Arcis Saxophon Quartet which will pay tribute to the great masters of music, followed by Ahmed Effat will pay homage to Abdel Halim Hafez on accompanied by the Arabic Music Ensemble on March 21.

The Cultural Hall concert series continues with American pianist Steven Lin, on March 22,  and his virtuoso performance of classic works of masters that changed the course of music history forever such as Beethoven, Liszt and Schumann. On 29 March 2019,  artist Scott Booth who will present his unique style of complex rhythms on the six-string guitar. Finally, on April 2, the audience will also be treated to the audio-visual feast that is Korean fusion band QUEEN with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

At the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture & Research, young Azerbaijani artist Ghochag Askarov will perform alongside three musicians a showcase of Azerbaijan’s Sufi music on 4 March 2019, while artist Macadi Nahhas will sing select classics that highlight Arab and Jordanian music heritage with a contemporary flavor on 1 April 2019.

The festival also features a series of concerts organized by the Economic Development Board that will be held at purpose-built open-air theatre in Bahrain Bay headlined by several Bahraini, Arab and international artists. The line-up includes Majid Al Muhandis and Sherine Abdel-Wahab (March 14), Playing for Change Band concert (March 16), and Steve Winwood , on 28 match , " Daffy and Flipperachi featuring DJ Outlaw and Saudi rapper Lil Eazy on 12 April, Almaty Symphony Orchestra’s “Mr. Adam, on 22 & 23 March. The concerts will be interspersed with street theatre acts from around the world, including the Ghana Acrobatics and Sulky M1 from the Netherlands.

The Bahrain Fort also has a share in this year’s festival as it hosts the interactive “Sound and Light” display which brings to life the history of ancient site from the Dilmun  civilization to today. La Fontaine Centre will also host a music and dance show of its own entitled “Tango Dancing” on 15 March 2019.

Literary, intellectual, and cultural lectures

As always, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research will lead the slate of literary and intellectual events of the festival. The programme includes lectures by Jihad Al-Zain on the transformations of Arab political culture, (February 26),  Dr. Amal Moussa from Tunisia on political Islam and the issue of gender equality, on 18 March.  Lebanese TV host Giselle Khoury will shed lights on the freedom of expression and the status of media in the Arab world on 25 March, while Algerian TV host Fadilah Farouk will discuss women’s literature from biographies to  women’s causes on 15 April  and Mai Al-Masri on women’s cinema and her movie 3000 Nights on 29 April. Lectures will also take place at the Abdullah Al-Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage, including Olfa Oueslati from Tunisia to talk about her experience in the media world, (April 22),  as well as Al-Khalifiya Library in Muharraq where Dr. Dheya Al Kaabi will discuss the book “Belated Travelers” by Ali Behdad on 13 March 2019.

In addition to literature, the festival will shed light on poetry, with the Ebrahim Al-Arrayed House of Poetry hosting readings by Moroccan poet Abdulrahim Al- Khassar entitled “I Banged the Drums to Sing and War Broke Out”, on 11 March, while  Kuwaiti poet Abdullah Al-Failakawi entitled “Prayers from the Heart” on 8 April. 
At Bab Al-Bahrain, BACA will continue the weekly Thursday events of 5 PM at Bab, offering visitors a variety of family-friendly activities that reflect the dynamics of the locale and its historical value. The Spring of Culture Festival will also witness the inauguration of “Manama of Al-Gosaibi”,  on 2 March 2019, a project by Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and& Research to preserve the legacy of Ghazi Al-Gosaibi in a heritage house that has retained its beautiful traditional architectural features.

Cinephiles will not feel left out either, with a full program of events highlighting the art of filmmaking, including the Japanese Film Festival at the Bahrain National Museum (March 6, 13, 20 and 27) at 7:00 pm. The documentary film “Finding Vivian Maier” will be shown at Memory of the Place - Bin Matar House” on April 6, while Qal’at al Bahrain Site Museum will show “Safar Barlik” on classic Arabic movie night on April 11.

In conjunction, the Spring Culture Festival features several educational tours that illuminate various aspects of Bahrain’s ancient heritage, including a morning tour to explore the farms of northern Bahrain and learn about the local agriculture and traditional farming methods on 2 March . The landmarks along the Pearling Path, Bahrain’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be explored on foot in a special walkathon on 16 March 2019, while the tour exploring the island’s long-used fisheries locations and oyster-beds cages will give participants the opportunity to learn how to make traditional traps from readily available natural materials around the Bahrain Fort, on 20 April.

As for panel discussions and talks, Bin Matar House will , on 16 March,  the latest of its “Majlis Talk” series with Artist Camille Zakharia to explore into the topic of artists’ books. The Bahrain National Museum will host, on 26 March,  a forum and book launch focusing on the experience of Artist Khalid Al Shaikh, followed by a panel discussion to mark the launch of the Food is Culture 4 book on 16 April. Bin Matar House will also host a public event in which attendees will spend the day discovering various photographic techniques on 27 April.

The 14th Spring of Culture Festival programme also features a fair share of international conferences and meetings, including the 7th Annual Coordination Meeting of the UNESCO Second Category World Heritage Centers  at the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, on 28 April, to highlight historical urban landscape of the world’s cultural heritage. The Centre will moreover organise a series of events, between 24-28 March 2019,   entitled “A Conversation on Hawar: Preservation and Development”. BACA, meanwhile, will hold a press conference to give an update on the participation of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Expo 2020 Dubai on 8 April 2019.

Workshops, social responsibility, and talent development

The Spring of Culture Festival will present a series of workshops in various artistic fields with the support of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Economic Development Board, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research. The workshops will offer learning opportunities designed to promote talents in various cultural disciplines. Various workshops on music will be held at the Flexible Theatre at the Bahrain National Theatre, which will be conducted by young talented Bahraini Artists. Full details on the workshops and how to register can be found on the festival’s website www.springofculture.org.

As part of the Festival’s commitment to contributing to the needs of the local community in the development of Bahraini talents in various technical fields, the Spring of Culture Community Programme, sponsored by the Economic Development Board, continues its efforts to organize several workshops for various governmental and social institutions in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the National Bank of Bahrain Rehabilitation Home for Disabled.

Street Theatre shows
The Spring of Culture Festival will present a number of Street Theatre shows that are free for the public. The shows will be performed by international performers in different venues around the kingdom. The calendar includes "Hot Potato Band" from Australia, "Ghana Acrobatics" from Ghana, "Sulky M1" from the Netherlands and “The Great Wolynski” from Argentina.

The public will also have the opportunity to participate in the numerous youth-oriented educational programmes and workshops held throughout the festival which are designed to develop their skills in music, art and traditional crafts. To top it all off, the festival also offers fantastic youth-oriented educational programmes and workshops designed to develop their budding artistic skills. To stay up to date on all festival news, we invite you to follow us on our official account (@springofculture) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. You can find the all the details on the various events and activities and register in any of the various workshops by visiting (www.springofculture.org).