About Us
Bahrain Arts Society is a non-profit organization which strives to unite artists, foster a vibrant arts scene, and cultivate the next generation of arts in Bahrain.
Since its inception, the Bahrain Arts Society has reshaped the creative arts and culture in Bahrain for over forty years. The society holds various events throughout the year such as exhibitions, workshops, and unique collaborations in support of local arts and artists.
Bahrain Arts Society seeks to uplift the local creative community and foster a rich relationship between all members.
How it started
On Sunday, November 21, 1982, thirty-four Bahraini artists submitted an official request to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to establish a visual arts association under the name “Bahrain Association for Visual Arts.” This initiative reflected the artists’ shared vision of creating an institution dedicated to supporting and advancing the visual arts movement in Bahrain.
To further demonstrate their commitment to the project, the founding artists agreed to organize an inaugural art exhibition that would affirm their collective aspiration to establish the association. The exhibition was held from April 2 to April 8, 1983, and marked an important step toward the official formation of the Society and the strengthening of Bahrain’s cultural landscape.
The First Board Of Directors
The official decree approving the establishment of the Bahrain Fine Arts Society was issued on the morning of Thursday, May 12, 1983, marking a significant milestone in the development of Bahrain’s cultural and artistic movement.
Two days later, the founding members gathered in Manama to elect the Society’s first Board of Directors. The inaugural board included Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Abbas Al Mahrous, Ali Al Mahmeed, Abdul Latif Mufeez, Rashid Swar, Abdul Hamid Saeed, and Abdul Ilah Al Arab. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become one of Bahrain’s leading cultural institutions.
The First Exhibition
The establishment of the Bahrain Arts Society was met with strong support and encouragement at the highest official levels. The founding representatives were received by Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who congratulated them on the formation of the Society and generously contributed a donation in support of its cultural mission and artistic aspirations.
In December 1983, during the Kingdom’s National Day celebrations, the late Prime Minister officially inaugurated the Bahrain Arts Society’s new headquarters. The space had been carefully designed, prepared, and furnished through the dedicated efforts of the founding artists themselves. To commemorate the occasion, a major exhibition was held in the Society’s new gallery, featuring artworks by thirty-five artists and marking an important milestone in Bahrain’s cultural and artistic landscape.
The First School for Fine Arts
Since its establishment, the Bahrain Arts Society has launched numerous artistic and cultural initiatives from its headquarters, strengthening its presence and influence within the Arab cultural scene. Among its most significant achievements was the founding of the Bahrain School of Fine Arts, the first specialized institution in Bahrain dedicated to teaching the various disciplines of fine arts.
The school was developed under the guidance of Dr. Ahmed Baqer, who designed its curriculum according to structured educational and academic standards. Registration officially opened for the first time on Saturday, November 19, 1983.
The school’s first group of artists and students included Dr. Ahmed Baqer, Hamed Obaid, Abdulrahim Sharif, Abbas Al-Mousawi, Abdul-Ilah Al-Arab, Abdullah Amin, and Sabah Al-Mousawi. The school’s first director was the respected Fatima Matar.
The school’s first group of artists and students included Dr. Ahmed Baqer, Hamed Obaid, Abdulrahim Sharif, Abbas Al-Mousawi, Abdul-Ilah Al-Arab, Abdullah Amin, and Sabah Al-Mousawi. The school’s first director was the respected Fatima Matar.