French Flair Meets Bahraini Beats: ‘Digital November’ Starts Tomorrow!

A Fusion of Art, Music, and Technology You Won't Want to Miss!

Immerse Yourself in a World of VR Films, AR Murals, and DJ Sets

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

Bahrain is set to celebrate the fusion of art and digital innovation with the global cultural festival ‘Digital November’ (Novembre Numérique) starting tomorrow.

Organised by the French Embassy to Bahrain and the Alliance Française Bahrain, with support from Al Riwaq Art Space and Calexico, this year’s eighth edition promises an ambitious programme highlighting creative collaborations between Bahraini and French artists.

Running from November 23rd to December 4th, the event will serve as a platform for cultural dialogue, offering immersive experiences that bridge the realms of visual arts, music, and technology. Designed to captivate audiences of all ages, the festival’s diverse offerings cater to art enthusiasts, families, and children. 

Opening Night

The festivities will begin at Al Riwaq Art Space, where the opening night promises an immersive showcase of digital innovation. The Bahrain Heritage Tour will spotlight an augmented reality exhibition of 3D artefacts from the Dilmun and Tylos civilisations. Visitors can also explore interactive installations such as Guillaumit’s augmented reality mural and Houda Bakkali’s vibrant digital paintings. At 6:30 pm, a round-table discussion moderated by Dr Nesrine El Abed will delve into the potential of digital innovation in art and culture, with insights from Bahraini and international artists. Guests can experience six virtual reality films, including an exploration of Notre-Dame Cathedral ahead of its reopening in December 2025. The evening will conclude with a lively garden party featuring music by DJ Hassan. All activities on opening night are free of charge and open to the public. 

Second Day

The event’s momentum continues with a cross-disciplinary digital art exhibition at Al Riwaq Art Space, open from November 24th to December 4th. Visitors can explore augmented reality artworks by Guillaumit and Houda Bakkali and participate in virtual reality experiences. For younger attendees, kid-friendly workshops will run on selected dates, providing opportunities to craft augmented reality masks and engage with digital tools.

DJ on Friday

Music lovers can look forward to an innovative evening on November 29th at Calexico, where French DJ Lamache will host a workshop at 8 pm, offering insights into his creative techniques. Later that evening, Lamache will take to the stage for an electrifying DJ set that blends cutting-edge technology with musical artistry. Tickets for this event are priced at 10 BHD before 10 pm and 15 BHD after. 

Art enthusiasts will have the chance to learn from French digital artist JA Dupont on December 3rd during a free masterclass at Al Riwaq Art Space. Dupont, a pioneer of “live paint mapping,” will provide an intimate look at his unique artistic process, which fuses street art, video mapping, and electronic music. 

Grand Finale

The festival will conclude with a grand finale on December 4th at 7:30 pm in Al Riwaq’s back garden. This breathtaking “live paint mapping” performance will feature a collaboration between JA Dupont, Bahraini DJ F Jaay, and Bahrain-based street artist Wicked Rose. Combining street art, videomapping, and live music, the performance promises a dazzling artistic experience that encapsulates the innovative spirit of "Digital November." Admission to the finale is free, with no reservations required. 

‘Digital November’ exemplifies the transformative potential of art and technology, fostering connections between cultures and creating unforgettable experiences. For further information, contact +973 3990 2919.