Perle Magazine - Spring 2018 Perle Magazine - Spring 2018 | Page 26

explains nothing happened by accident, but rather was a curated effort to bring together artists from various backgrounds to make Adliya a walking art zone. Bayan details that when the first time Al Riwaq had gone under refurbishment, even the front-elevation scaffolding was used as a creative platform, as Bayan called on artists to paint it - with a different artist coming in each week to do so. That also allowed graffiti artists in Bahrain to step into the light for the first time and showcase their skills. Al Riwaq Art Space’s walls have seen the works of many artists throughout the 20 years, from professionals to individuals finding their beginnings in the world of art. Bayan explained, initially she would only approach established artists, but soon opened the doors for the budding artists 26 Perle SPRING 2018 to allow them a space to grow as artists. Al Riwaq launched a residency program where two artists were hosted and were educated and developed as artists. Bayan partnered with various institutions to not only educate the artists locally, but also send them abroad to places such as the Townhouse Gallery in Cairo, Delfina Foundation in London, Cité Des Arts in Paris, and also to an art foundation in New York, as well as working on collaborative efforts with the Sharjah Art Foundation. From there Bayan also borrowed art works and recommended artists to be showcased there, leading to 2017 being the most collaborative year with around 70 artists displaying their work. Bayan notes these collaborative efforts have definitely help change the art scene and artistic outcomes in Bahrain, as Al RIwaq served as a platform of exposure,