ArtBAB to serve avenues for branding works of Bahraini artisans

Shedding light on the Kingdom’s heritage of handicrafts and brilliance of its artisans, the 2019 March edition of ArtBAB (Art Bahrain Across Borders) will provide a launching pad for craftsmen and artists to take the global route.

Organised under the slogan ‘Artisans across borders’, the event will see global fashion icon and designer J J Valaya getting into the shoes of a curator.

The event aims to revitalise the sector by branding local handicrafts and other art works of Bahraini artisans and artists in the global market. It will be held from March 6 to 10 next year at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women.

Speaking to Tribune, Mr Valaya said it is important for any craft to step into the realm of modernity to stay relevant. “The future of crafts lies in making it relevant to the new generation and they want a new avatar of old things. This is my exploratory trip and I am delighted with the talent and the historical memory of craftsmanship that sustains Bahrain’s crafts.”

He said he plans to work closely with Bahraini craftspersons to create a chic, art-based version of Bahraini craft pieces that will have global appeal.