The Nest 2017 Launches in Partnership With Al Riwaq Art Space, Bahrain Tourism and Tamkeen

Press release

Published November 16th, 2017 - 07:00 GMT

The Nest is an annual outdoor art market and, since its inception, has grown in popularity among artists to become one of the most important events on Bahrain’s arts calendar.

The Nest 2017, organized by Al Riwaq Art Space in partnership with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Tamkeen, is set to launch this Thursday, November 16^th 2017 in Block 338 in Gudaibiya.

The Nest is an annual outdoor art market and since its inception, has grown in popularity amongst artists to become one of the most important events on Bahrain’s arts calendar.

The event comes as part of the BTEA’s long term strategy, which contributes towards the Kingdom’s economy and the 2030 Economic Vision.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, 15^th November, the Chief Executive Officer of BTEA, H.E. Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa stated: “This event aims to revitalize the tourism sector and attract both Bahraini visitors and tourists from the GCC countries and beyond.”

“The BTEA appreciates Al Riwaq Art Space’s efforts which contribute towards further positioning the Kingdom as the center for family tourism across the region by launching various festivals and events as well as providing a unique experience to visitors of all ages. This will contribute towards further strengthening the position of the Kingdom as an ideal tourist destination for families,” he added.

Further commenting on the event, the Director of Al Riwaq Art Space, Mrs. Bayan Kanoo said: “Al Riwaq Art Space aims to revive the artistic and creative spirit of Bahrain’s culture through various areas of art, including design, culinary art and more.”

Mrs. Bayan Kanoo also expressed her happiness in launching The Nest 2017 which supports the growing artistic movement in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and helps drive a more spontaneous approach to art.

“Appeal” is the title of a new visual project of Al Riwaq Art Space Initiatives, which aims to support creativity and artistic production to enrich the Bahraini cultural landscape and connect it to its counterparts in the world. The project is an extension of the ongoing activities of the gallery to explore the public spaces and the integration of visual arts in these areas of activities.

Additionally, this year's event aims to utilize the vital energy of the public space to produce works of art designed to adapt to the specific nature of this space by inviting a group of professional artists residing in Bahrain and abroad to share creative visions, and produce independent or collaborative works.

The events happening at the market will be held during the weekends; Thursdays from 5 pm to 11 pm, Fridays from 3 pm to 11 pm, and Saturdays from 3 pm to 9 pm. The musical event will be held at 8 pm every Thursday, the screening will begin at 7 pm on Fridays, and the artist talks sessions will be held between 4 pm and 7 pm every Saturday.

Through its participation, Tamkeen continues to support initiatives that aim to achieve prosperity for the national economy and enhance the role of the private sector as a main economic driver.

Background Information

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA)

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority was established in 2015 under the Royal Decree number (76) for the year 2015 issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Whereas the first clause of the Decree number (10) stated that an authority should be established under the supervision of the Council of Ministers

In 2015, BTEA started its operations under the Decree number (9) for the year 2015 to append the Tourism Affairs to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce based on the recommendation of HRH Prime Minister and under the law number (62) of the year 2016 to establish and regulate the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) and the Decree number (1) for the year 1985 to establish a Supreme Council for Tourism, and the law number (15) for the year 1986 to regulate the Tourism sector amended by a Law by Decree number (12) for the year 1994.

Company Profile

Tamkeen

Tamkeen is a public authority established in August 2006, tasked with supporting Bahrain’s private sector and positioning it as the key driver of economic growth and development. Tamkeen is one of the cornerstones of Bahrain’s national reform initiatives and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Tamkeen has two primary objectives - firstly, foster the development and growth of enterprises, and second provide support to enhance the productivity and training of the national workforce. To achieve these objectives -Tamkeen’s 2018-2020 strategy focuses on Diversifying offerings, Accelerate delivery and Sustaining Impact.