A major new international art fair is set for launch later this year inside a 50-metre diameter marquee to be erected opposite the newly-opened Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

'Art Bahrain' aims to provide a platform for artists from around the globe to exhibit their work, while also putting local aspiring artists in the spotlight, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

With works ranging from classic acrylic paintings to sculpture and digital photography, the event is expected to begin in September and will be held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women president.

Art Select founder and chief executive Kaneka Subberwal was the driving force behind the new fair, while marketing company Pico International Bahrain will handle its design and production.

“This has been something that I have dreaming of for a very long time and I am truly grateful that it seeing the light of day,” said Subberwal, at a media briefing held yesterday in Pico's office at Bahrain Financial Harbour.

“Bahrain is actually a very interesting market, but very few people realise how rare the level of public interaction is here.

“I came to Bahrain in 2008 and had a number of art shows across the country.”

Subberwal, who is originally from India and set up art advisory and consultancy Art Select to assist clients understand art as an investment, said she 'fell in love' with Bahrain from the very first moment.

“I want people to experience the island as I have,” she said.

“We are hoping to have participation from across the region and beyond, and we are going to launch an international campaign because our aim is to bring international artists as well as giving exposure to some of the best Bahraini ones.

“I myself have seen and exhibited Bahraini art through work from one or two artists but here we will have an entire Bahraini pavilion where I think will be unveiling some immense talent.”

Subberwal said she was aiming to have up to 90 artists on show at the event, but was still finalising the details for exactly when it would be held.

“We know it is going to be the last quarter of this year and we are still trying to put things in place,” she said.

Meanwhile, event branding consultants Miracle has designed a 'worldwide campaign' to ensure international exposure.

“We are studying many locations for the venue, but for now we will most probably set up a 50-m diameter Pico Dome across from the Four Seasons hotel,” said event co-founder and Miracle board member Khalid Juman.

“We will be running an international campaign designed by our Miracle team like the rest of art fairs around the world because our Bahraini fair will be no less than them.

“The campaign will include billboards, lampposts and flags as well as public art installations that will be used to promote the event as we get closer.

“An mobile app will also be launched for people to get updates on who is participating.”

Apart from the art on display, organisers also promise forums and panel discussions, interactive activities and skill-enhancing workshops at a specially-built on-site 'Art Lounge'. - TradeArabia News Service