Tuesday 29 / October / 2024
Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, in partnership with the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), officially opened the third edition of Muscat Art under the patronage of Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Muscat Art event will be open from 2 pm – 12 am daily until 31st October.
The 2024 edition includes more than 250 local and international artists with over 10 participating countries, including Hungary, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, India, the United Kingdom, Sudan, Germany, and others. With 1500 pieces of art exhibited, varying from paintings to sculptures, this three-day art fair is expected to welcome over 10,000 visitors.
A special focus has been given to emerging and established local artists, thanks to the support of art curators and well-known artists Alia Al Farsi and Hassan Meer. Their support has enabled the event to reach new local and international talents to ensure broad participation.
The local production and photography company Bella Luna Productions will be sponsoring this event and supporting the OCEC with the coverage for Muscat Art.
During Muscat Art, audiences will have the opportunity to connect with artists, gaining insight into their passions and creative inspirations. Participants can also engage in hands-on workshops and activities, exploring the arts from new perspectives.
This year marks the launch of the Muscat Art Walls project, inviting local artists and photographers to showcase their work at the OCEC on the long-term. The initiative aims to amplify local talent and promote it to international audiences, aligning with broader efforts to support the local art community. Artists are encouraged to register, with selected works entering the OCEC’s permanent art collection.
Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Culture, stated, "This event is one of the important artistic programmes that the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth is keen to include in the cultural calendar of Oman. We are proud to collaborate with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in organising this event to enhance cultural awareness and highlight the importance of fine arts through workshops and community activities. We hope this event continues to flourish as a platform to explore and showcase all forms of creativity."
Commenting on the event, Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, said, "Through Muscat Art, we seek to create a cultural initiative with a significant impact on our nation - bringing communities together, showcasing our culture and traditions, and embracing the artistic trends that shape Oman today."
The Muscat Art Exhibition aims to raise cultural awareness, preserve the heritage of fine arts, and gain regional recognition. The event has grown in popularity, attracting more exhibitors and visitors each year, with a vision to become a major art gathering in the region. In addition to being an art exhibition, it plays a significant role in Oman’s cultural scene by celebrating the country’s living talents. This year’s edition will also feature lectures and workshops where experts will discuss topics related to art. Visitors will be able to enjoy sculpture workshops, live music, and entertainment throughout the three-day event.
For more information, visit the Muscat Art website or dedicated Instagram page.
