The Spring of Culture Education program in Bahrain is a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering creativity and preserving cultural heritage. This season’s lineup includes a comprehensive workshop on mobile photography at the Al Jasra Crafts Centre. Here, participants not only learn the technicalities of capturing striking images with smartphones but also delve into the artistic nuances that elevate a photo from good to extraordinary. Concurrently, the program introduces an advanced level Islamic Decoration Art Workshop, offering enthusiasts a deeper exploration into the intricate world of Islamic artistic direction. This workshop at the Al Jasra Crafts Centre equips participants with the skills and understanding to breathe life into elaborate decorations, celebrating an age-old art form. Additionally, the House of Basket Weaving presents a series of hands-on sessions where attendees can immerse themselves in crafting techniques, from producing date molasses to dyeing palm leaves in natural hues. Through these diverse offerings, the Spring of Culture initiative seeks to not only enhance individual creative skills but also ensure the continued legacy and appreciation of Bahrain’s rich cultural traditions for generations to come.

Within the Young Artisan initiative, children can immerse themselves in engaging workshops such as “Bee Adventure” and “Embroidery on Paper” at the House of Basket Weaving. Bees, which are culturally significant and mentioned in the Holy Qur’an Surat “Al-Nahl,” offer insights into their importance and the art of beekeeping. Additionally, children will explore decorative sewing on paper, adding color and richness to their imaginative creations. The “Weaving with a Wooden Loom” workshop, located at Bani Jamra Weaving Textiles, gives children the chance to master essential weaving techniques, connecting them to their ancestors’ rich heritage. The “Little Archaeologist” program familiarizes children with Bahrain’s heritage sites, guiding them to uncover artifacts and learn about their significance under expert guidance.

Al Riwaq Art Space presents a workshop series titled “Language of Materials,” delving into the various mediums that have spurred significant shifts in art during the 20th and 21st centuries. Structured in four thematically organized sessions, the course begins with immediate and accessible materials, progressing to the more intangible and elusive. Each session explores topics such as the ‘found object’, raw materials, signs and symbols, mass media, and the concept of language as a material. Adopting a cross-cultural perspective, the workshop facilitates discussions on materials within a global context.

For the first time, in collaboration with the Enki Performing Arts Center, the Learning Program for Spring of Culture presents a workshop titled “Telling Stories”. This workshop aims to foster imagination and how to articulate it into an event, as the theater has always been the best

means to ignite imagination and narrate events. This workshop is offered free of charge to children aged 11-15 years, conducted by trainers Suad Awadalla and Basal Abbas.

The Art Centre hosts artistic workshops during the Spring of Culture Festival. Registration and details can be viewed on the social media channels of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.