36 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com Whoever thinks summers here are long and slow needs to look out for the Ministry of Culture’s events, aiming to facilitate cultural exchange and dialogue. Festivals are a much-anticipated facet of Bahrain, bringing with them an extravaganza of entertainment, colours and an overall sense of happiness. So here is some great news for us — the Bahrain Summer Festival 2014 is nearly upon us, returning for a sixth year as part of the Manama: Capital of Asian Tourism 2014 promotion. Working under the banner of ‘Summer of Colours’ to promote tourism as a source of national wealth and pride, the ministry kickstarts this festival at the end of July, running until the end of August. Having become an anticipated annual fixture, the celebration never fails to return with a spectacular line-up of live shows that involve, from renowned local, regional and international artists, and activities which focus on multicultural and family-friendly entertainment. Featuring musical performances, theatrical plays and art exhibitions, the festival has it all covered. Nakhool and Nakhoola, the popular mascots, will be present at Nakhool City, which will host a variety of family-oriented activities. Children and parents will have a chance to enjoy a special showcase from different countries’ cultures and traditions for the duration of the festival. The mascots serve to educate visitors about Bahrain’s ancient history and emphasise the importance of the environment in local tradition. The shows will be staged at both the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Cultural Hall, near the Bahrain National Museum. Visit Facebook.com/BahrainSummer, Twitter. com/BahrainSummer and Instagram.com/moc_bh. happenings July 31-August 30 | Festival | Various locations Summer Sensation MINISTRY OF CULTURE This local charity initiative, combining photography and social media, aims to raise money for an educational programme that tackles social issues in Bahrain. Our Bahrain, founded by Elma Bartholomew and Maryam Toorani in partnership with Al Riwaq Art Space, is using a medium more known for selfies than charity — Instagram. Users who have a knack for taking artistic shots can now lend a helping hand to the community by posting their pictures of Bahrain on the social media platform and ‘hashtag’ OurBahrain. The campaign, held in support of the Be Free Centre, will run for four weeks. The top 50 photographs will then be chosen and held as an exhibition at the gallery in Adliya on June 25. “We are using Instagram as our platform because it is a medium that is shared by Bahrain’s youth. Essentially, that is what we want to do — integrate the youth into charity. It’s a great way to show that you don’t have to go out of your way to give back,” says Maryam, creative director of Woman This Month magazine. “Al Riwaq Art Space were supportive of the idea from the get-go and our collaboration with them is what has gotten these talented photographers excited,” she adds. The Be Free Centre aims to help abused and neglected children. The duo chose the organisation because of a new educational programme that it has started. “We’re promoting their ‘Instilling Universal Knowledge’ programme. This tries to change the way we educate our children by implementing social issues into everyday classes,” says Elma, editor of Woman This Month magazine. “For instance, for the younger children, they use art classes. They hold up two drawings for the children, one with just one colour and the other with lots of colours, and ask which one they like more. The children usually say they like the colourful one. The teachers then link that to how Bahrain has a diverse culture, and that’s what makes it beautiful,” she explains. To donate to the campaign or to sponsor the event, contact the organisers via email. Email [email protected] or follow @our_bahrain on Instagram. June 25 | Art exhibition | Al Riwaq Art Space In the Picture A participant’s submission
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