First Bahrain sponsor the Kingdom's first street art exhibition

The outdoor canvas initiative aims to provide young Bahraini emerging and established artists with a new platform to display their talents in the heart of Adliya and share their creativity with the public. The first of its kind exhibition in the Kingdom will be on display until the second week of November.

First Bahrain decision to participate in this event was guided by the company's commitment towards the development of talented Bahraini youth and brining new creative insight to the local community, explained Amin Al Arrayed, General Manager of First Bahrain. He added

"We are delighted to be part of such a significant movement that focuses towards fostering young talents and preparing them for the future. In addition, our support falls in line with our aim to play an active role in the cultural development of the Kingdom. This sponsorship is a starting point for a strong relationship we intend to maintain with such a noble organization striving to nurture creative thinking among Bahrainis and stimulate appreciation for visual arts."

A 7m x 17m canvas has been used as an outdoor painting space in Adliya Dining District, where the hoarding will remain on display up until the second week of November. Each Friday one of the emerging young Bahraini artists will get a day to paint the canvas, which will then remain on display for one week. This exciting experimental art practice represents a pioneering step towards integrating the public with the art culture in Bahrain allowing it to flourish and thrive.

Bayan Kanoo, Director of Al Riwaq Art and Culture Centre, commented on the sponsorship saying" I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank First Bahrain team for their enthusiasm and support of Bahrain's local talent."

Al Riwaq Art and Culture Centre is a non-profit space supporting contemporary art practice through diverse programs, workshops, residencies and screenings. Since its establishment in 1998 by Bayan Kanoo, the gallery's mission has been to promote creativity and art value; providing exhibition space to emerging and established artists, both local and international.

Two Bahraini talents, Jaffar Al Oraibi and Ahmed Anan, have already participated in the first two weeks of First Bahrain & Al Riwaq Street Art 2009, where they dazzled the public with their paintings.