The power of art in shaping culture, transforming lives and conserving national identity and heritage was stressed by  Bahrain’s Premier yesterday (March 4).

“Art is an open record that recounts human civilisations and documents their precious contributions that simulated reality,” he said, in a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa emphasised its ability to inspire successive generations to hold firmly to their roots, heritage and authenticity.

This came as he opened the 41st edition of the annual Bahrain Fine Arts Show.

The inaugural ceremony at Bahrain National Museum was attended by ministers, MPs, senior officials, diplomats, journalists, media and cultural figures, businessmen and art experts.

The Premier hailed the dynamism of cultural and artistic life which is marked by constant renewal. He saluted generations of artists who drew their inspiration from pioneers, which yielded an art that combines tradition and modernity and reflects the civilisation of Bahrain and its evolution.

He hailed the landmark strides of Bahraini art which is now matching global standards in quality and creativity as well as diverse intellectual schools enriching cultural life and fostering the values of achievement and innovation.

The Premier, who toured the exhibition, stressed the government's resolve to support cultural life and hone the skills of budding artists.

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa thanked the Premier for his patronage of the show since its launch.

She also paid tribute to Bahrain Arts Society honorary president Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa for his role in promoting the fine arts movement in the kingdom.

About 50 artworks, selected from 170 by a committee of critics, academics and artists, are displayed in this year's expo.

In this edition, the Al Dana Prize, awarded to the best fine art work, is back, and the winner will be chosen by a jury.

The Bahrain Photography Club is also taking part in the event following its winning of the world cup granted by the International Federation of Photographic Art. - TradeArabia News Service