May 12, 2014
Manama: Organisers of the Spring of Culture Festival 2014 announced preparations are underway for next year, which will look to celebrate the festival’s tenth anniversary since its launch in 2006.
This was announced with the conclusion of this year’s Spring of Culture activities, which succeeded in providing an array of educational, cultural and artistic performances attracting a wide and diverse audience. The festival also included social community programmes and educational workshops to benefit the public.
Commenting on the preparations, H.E. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture, revealed next year’s festival will be under the title “Our Heritage is Our treasure”, and will showcase world heritage through international groups that will visit the Kingdom, bringing with them their local heritage and culture. She also stated Bahrain’s heritage will take centre stage in the festival’s activities, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Spring of Culture and provide a unique experience to the audience.
Speaking on the festival, H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “The Spring of Culture Festival has achieved its set goals, and has managed to attract more tourists from the region as well as reflect Bahrain’s openness and cultural scene. We are proud to be supporters of this festival since its launch, and will continue to do so, to benefit the national economy, and enhance the Kingdom’s continuous cultural contribution through our partnership with the festival organisers.”
This year’s most popular performances that witnessed huge attendance was the concert of legend guitarist Eric Clapton, Mohammed Abdo, international singer Gloria Gaynor, Liaoning Ballet performance which was held in line with the Chinese Cultural Week, Opera performance by international legend José Carreras and renowned musician Michel Fadel. This is along with events which attracted families and children such as the China National Acrobatic Troupe and The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favourites.
The festival has also brought social community programmes and educational workshops, free of charge, which organisers estimated more than 300 individuals to have benefited from. They were conducted by performers taking part in the festival, as well as renowned experts, in line with the Spring of Culture Talents Programme, which sought to develop young Bahraini talents.
The Spring of Culture 2014 was organised by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Economic Development Board, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Al Bareh Art Gallery, Al Riwaq Art Space, and La Fontaine Centre.
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For Further information please contact:
The Economic Development Board
Tel: +973 17589966
Email: nc@bahrainedb.com
