BACA launches ‘Studio 244’

Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority (BACA) in co-operation with the Supreme Council for the Environment, has launched a new project, ‘Studio 244’, at the Arad Bay Protected Area and Park as a part of the 14th edition of the Spring of Culture Festival. The launching ceremony was attended by BACA President Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dr. Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina, CEO of Supreme Council for Environment, Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director General, Arts and Culture, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities along with a number of artists. 

‘Studio 244’ is a new space that aims to offer a multi-disciplinary platform fostering creativity and knowledge through various forms of interaction. Speaking to Tribune, Shaikha Hala said: “Based in the heart of a natural reserve, this unique location overlooking Arad Bay has an immediate social presence through its diverse community, offering an audience from various walks of life. This joint initiative between the Supreme Council of Environment and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities allows this space to act as a hub for culture, arts, and knowledge, through a wide range of activities and programs that engage the public.

  “The project aims to raise awareness and vitality of communities by improving their access to culture and arts. Using the main studio space as a focal point for diverse programmes, and two other spaces that will foster the growth of artists through a one-year long art residency programme.

“Focused on the creation, and the curating of programmes within the public realm, the space is a dynamic liaison between artists, urban developers, environmentalists, and community members, to create these cultural programmes, community activities and artworks that achieve our shared goals where it will foster this cultural exchange and highlight a diversity of themes and messages to enrich and inspire our communities.”