Spring of Culture returns this year, offering a season of experiences rich in art and heritage. The festival’s programme was announced today, Thursday, November 21, during a press conference at the Bahrain National Theatre.
The press conference was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Damian Bush, Chief Executive Officer of Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre and Mohamed Al Ansari, Deputy CEO of Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
The festival, taking place in January and February 2025, is a collaborative effort between BACA, Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, in association with Albareh Art Space, Al Riwaq Art Space, Art Concept Gallery, Folk Art Space, La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art, and RAK Art Foundation.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed said on this occasion: “As we are accustomed to every year, the festival revives our cultural movement and reminds us that culture is our way to affirm the authentic spirit of Bahrain, its ancient civilization, and culture.” He added: “This year, we present a special edition of the Spring of Culture Festival, an opportunity for the public to be immersed in a captivating Bahraini, Arab, and global cultural experience, combining music, arts, history, and heritage.”
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed explained that the festival celebrates the Kingdom not only as a prime location for the finest artistic and musical experiences but also as a destination that brings the public together through heritage with its diverse activities, including tours exploring history, archaeological sites, and ancient cities throughout the kingdom.
He said: “The continued success of the festival cannot be achieved without the constructive cooperation between the organising and collaborating parties, in addition, to support from partners and embassies,” emphasising that this reflects the spirit of cooperation that characterises the Kingdom of Bahrain to elevate the cultural scene and cement its position as a cultural hub.
Damian Bush highlighted that the success of the Spring of Culture Festival over the past years is due to the generous support and esteemed sponsorship it has received from public and private sector institutions. He emphasised the partnerships formed between various local entities across their respective fields, all striving to elevate Bahrain’s position as a leading hub that reflects the exceptional talents of Bahraini individuals and the contributions of prominent cultural, intellectual, and artistic figures.
Additionally, he noted that the success of the festival reflects the deep trust it has earned from all segments of society and various economic sectors, particularly the tourism sector, which stands out with its exceptional potential. This has positioned Bahrain as a vital centre for attracting diverse investments.
One of the objectives of the Spring of Culture Festival since its inception has been to connect and develop private sector investments in culture. This aims to highlight Bahrain’s openness to other global cultures and support these efforts in tourism, considering it an important and growing sector with significant competitive advantages and immense potential for development and economic growth.
This 19th edition is strategically sponsored by the Economic Development Board, with gold sponsorship from the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) and Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and silver sponsorship from National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). Additionally, several embassies in Bahrain contribute to the festival’s programme, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Cyprus, and the Philippines.
A Programme Rich in Music and Art:
The 19th Spring of Culture Festival transforms various spaces around Bahrain into platforms for music and arts, starting with an exceptional performance by Bahraini artist Ebrahim Habib with the Bahrain Music Band, led by Maestro Zeyad Zaiman, on January 9.
Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre presents a series of distinctive performances on the stage of the Bahrain National Theatre. On January 30-31, the theatre will present the ballet Don Quixote. On February 6, Egyptian composer Omar Khairat will perform with the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem. On February 13, Egyptian artist Amal Maher will grace the stage.
In a collaboration between Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra will present the concert Yemeni Melody in Manama, celebrating musical compositions of Yemeni and Arab heritage on February 20. And in a first-time experience in Bahrain, Grammy-winning composer Lorne Balfe will perform with the Manchester Camerata orchestra in Top Gun: Maverick in Concert.
Other distinctive voices and melodies will resonate from the Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre stage, such as artist Kadim Al Sahir on January 10, renowned artist Khalid Abdulrahman alongside rising star Ayed Yousef on February 7, as well as Dutch Maestro and violinist André Rieu with his Johann Strauss Orchestra on February 14.
Musical evenings and performances will also take place at the Cultural Hall. Beginning January 16, in partnership with the British Embassy in Bahrain, the English Chamber Orchestra’s Duo will perform.
Other events at the hall include a concert by the “Rouh Al Sharq” Choir from Egypt, a concert exploring traditional music from Southern Italy, a performance by French mezzo-soprano Elinor Morel in collaboration with the French Embassy in Bahrain, and a concert by Grammy-winning Pakistani artist Arooj Aftab, in partnership with Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre. Family-friendly plays The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Forest Dreams will also be presented. A concert by Kid Francescoli, in collaboration with the French Embassy, will be held at Darseen Cafe, in the Bahrain National Museum.
Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research will host musical and vocal performances, including the concert In the Realm of the Sultanate by Tunisian artist Aya Dagnooj and a performance by Gayane Umerova showcasing the culture and arts of Uzbekistan. Bahraini folk arts will also be featured at renowned musical venues such as Dar al Muharraq, Dar al Riffa, and Dar bin Harban, with performances by Bahraini bands such as Ismaeel Dawas Band, Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya Band, Shabab Al Hidd Band, Dar Al Riffa Al Sagheera Band, Qalali Folk Band, Dar Bin Harban Band, and Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda Band.
Art Exhibitions and Sensory Experiences:
The 19th edition of the Spring of Culture Festival boasts a vibrant artistic scene, offering numerous visual experiences for Bahraini audiences. The Bahrain National Museum will be the first stop, hosting the exhibition Memories Carved in Steel by Spanish sculptor Juan Garaizábal until the end of May, in collaboration with the RAK Art Foundation, as well as the opening of the exhibition The Artist Books of Rafa Al Nasiri. During the festival period, many other exhibitions will open. The Arts Centre will host exhibitions such as The Palm Leaf and the Japanese crafts exhibition From Hand to Hand: 100-Year-New Craft. At Kurar House in the city of Muharraq, artist Khalid Farhan will present his latest works inspired by plants.
Al Riwaq Art Space will host the artist-in-residence exhibition Application 004 and the Al Bait Festival, a space for artists, creators, youth, and families, as well as the Al Riwaq Supper Club. Albareh Art Space will present the exhibition Twilight by artist Fatema Aljameaa and the exhibition On the Edge of a Crushing Cliff by artist Hussein Al Mohasen. At the Art Concept Gallery, artist Ahmed Emam will present his exhibition Fayoum Portraits, while the Folk Art Space will host the exhibition “Klay Kassam”. Finally, La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art will host an event featuring a photography exhibition “Ala Rasi” by photographer Rana Khadra, and a talk by writer Tim Mackintosh-Smith.
Diverse Cultural Experiences Await the Audience:
The 2025 Spring of Culture Festival also offers a range of other activities across Bahrain, including poetry evenings, lectures, and seminars, along with various cultural events. The Post Office Museum will host “From the Post” cultural activities every Saturday in February, aimed at rediscovering the historical city of Manama, its landmarks, markets, and old neighbourhoods. An open-air cafe will also be set up at the museum. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is organizing interactive programs to showcase the kingdom’s heritage and history, including tours in collaboration with Kashta Tours at the Pearling Path in Muharraq, the A Farm Tour near Qal’at Al Bahrain, the On Board the Jalboot tour, and the Bahrain National Museum Tales tour. The Muharraq Talks discussion series will also return. The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research will host a series of lectures and intellectual seminars featuring influential cultural and media figures, including Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad, Syrian Ibrahim Al Dogheim, Palestinian American writer Susan Abulhawa, and Egyptian journalist Suleiman Judeh.
Spring of Culture: To Society, From Society:
The Spring of Culture Festival offers educational programs through dozens of workshops on filmmaking, art, artificial intelligence, design, heritage, and crafts. Workshops for school students will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The 19th Spring of Culture Festival’s Community Responsibility Programme is held in collaboration with Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre. This programme organizes free social, cultural, and educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and training opportunities for various governmental and social institutions, partnering with entities like the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development, The National Bank of Bahrain Rehabilitation Home for Disabled, and cultural institutes.
To stay up to date with all festival news and to register for events and workshops, follow us on our official account @springofculture on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, or visit our website at www.springofculture.org
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