BIC and RAK Art Foundation Collaborate to Infuse Art into F1 Grand Prix Venue
The Rashid Al Khalifa Art Foundation has partnered with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to transform the walls of the media center tunnel with vibrant graffiti art, unveiled as part of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Formula 1 festivities.
This artistic initiative is part of the Foundation's broader mission to support local artists by providing public-facing spaces that extend the presence of art beyond traditional galleries. By doing so, the Foundation aims to foster deeper engagement between the public and the arts in unexpected, high-traffic environments.
The commissioned mural spans over 60 meters and was brought to life by two of Bahrain's leading graffiti artists — Mahmood Al Sharqawi (known as HUVIL) and Mustafa Al Halwachi. Their work blends Bahraini heritage with elements of contemporary pop culture, creating a dynamic and culturally resonant visual experience for F1 attendees and media personnel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Biz Bahrain
a day ago
- Biz Bahrain
Exhibition World Bahrain launches ‘EWB's Imagination Station' in collaboration with Artly
Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) announced the launch of 'EWB's Imagination Station', a new creative platform designed to provide engaging, family focused experiences in partnership with a range of local organisations. The first edition of EWB's Imagination Station will open alongside the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2025, which runs from July 1 to August 5 at EWB's East Lounge. The initiative is being held in collaboration with Artly, a Bahrain based creative arts studio, and features a variety of interactive arts and crafts activities for children, teens, adults, and families. The experience includes daily hands on art stations aimed at inspiring creativity and encouraging self expression and collaboration. Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate at their own pace, with activities designed for both individual and group enjoyment. Creative highlights for walk in visitors include tote bag painting, acrylic painting at the Fluid Bear Bar, and canvas painting guided by designs featuring Bahraini landmarks. In addition to these stations, weekly guided art classes will be available for participants aged four and above. Workshops will rotate weekly and include painting, clay, and mixed media activities such as cookie decorating, mask making, paracord bracelets, sand art, and self portraits. Huda Al Shamlan, Director of Marketing, Communication and Partnerships at Exhibition World Bahrain, said that the launch of Imagination Station reflects EWB's commitment to enhancing the value of public events hosted at the venue. She noted that partnerships with Artly, Platinumlist, and the Bahrain Toy Festival contribute to making EWB a year round destination for creativity, learning, and family engagement. She added that the initiative is not only aimed at delivering interactive experiences for families but also reflects EWB's support for the local community through collaboration with Bahraini businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative talents. Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Co-Owner of Artly, expressed her appreciation for the partnership, describing the initiative as an opportunity to foster imagination and creativity through accessible and meaningful art experiences in a welcoming environment. To complement the summer programme, EWB has also partnered with the Bahrain Toy Festival and GBL Group to introduce exclusive children's birthday packages throughout the festival. Families can celebrate in a lively and creative setting, featuring art activities, entertainment, and hands on fun. Bookings for both EWB's Imagination Station and the birthday packages can be made via Exhibition World Bahrain's ticketing partner, Platinumlist, at or through the Platinumlist app. BNA(R)
Gulf Weekly
4 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
Tarmac theatrics
A visual masterpiece for new and seasoned fans: Review of F1 The Movie, brought to you by Bahrain International Circuit. Director: Joseph Kosinski Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem Genre: Sport/Drama Rating: 4.5 popcorns out of 5 Try to imagine combining the visual spectacle of Top Gun: Maverick, a Gladiator-level musical score, the effortless charm of Brad Pitt, the racing passion of Lewis Hamilton, with the backing of Warner Brothers and Apple and a production with unparalleled access to every corner of F1. The end result is a visual masterpiece that manages to find a way of appealing to both an F1 newbie and the most seasoned of motorsport fans. The film focuses on the struggling Apex Grand Prix team and its ambition to get back to the top of the sport. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, an ex-driver whose career was ended by a racing incident back in 1993. He is brought out of retirement by Apex GP team boss (Javier Bardem) to revive fortunes at the team and perhaps teach a lesson or two to young teammate Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). For the regular F1 fan, the combination of the film's authenticity, together with the visual spectacle will not disappoint. Indeed, staying true to the sport was a key factor for the involvement of Lewis Hamilton as a producer and the endorsement of F1 and the FIA for the film. During filming, Brand Pitt and Damson Idris learned to drive real cars, at real F1 venues, driving at speeds of up to 300km per hour. The cars themselves are F2 cars, modified by Mercedes to blend in seamlessly with the real F1 grid. The scenes you see at race weekend from Silverstone through to Abu Dhabi have all been shot during the actual race weekends, to the extent that during the filming periods, F1 effectively had 11 teams running. Even the smaller touches nod to the real life feeling of F1, with no better example than the cameo of Guenther Steiner and his inevitable fruity language. Add to that the familiar voices of David Croft and Martin Brundle on commentary to support narrative direction and explanations of the action for newer fans, with appearances from the entire 2023 grid (drivers and cars) and numerous other familiar faces from the world of F1, there is plenty for fans to get their teeth into. And that's before taking in the visual treat of the racing shots. Given the amount of filming that was undertaken outside of races, the movie was able to capture new and unique camera shots which go well beyond what fans are used to on broadcast. F1 has always been an impressive visual feast on any normal race weekend, but the film takes the viewing pleasure and immersive experience to a whole new level. Add to that the musical genius of a score by Hans Zimmer and it's hard to not become totally spellbound by the action. There is also plenty in there for new or even non-F1 fans. Whilst the authenticity necessitates the use of a fair amount of F1 jargon, the commentary, radio chatter and scripting do an excellent job to guide the viewer through the technical details. Brad Pitt is unsurprisingly cool, perhaps best described as a combination of an American version of James Hunt, with the driving style that would make Max Verstappen look timid in comparison. Idris as his teammate provides a cheeky young English vibe that sits well alongside Pitt's more roguish humour, whilst Javier Bardem as team boss Ruben adds significant weight to carry the story along, supported by the Irish charm and cutting insight of Kerry Condon as the team's technical director. Whilst the film does walk the careful line of trying to appeal the widest audience possible (and rightly so), there will be the inevitable clamour from the hardcore F1 crowd that the film has oversimplified the sport, or that certain small details don't match real life (such as the team headquarters of Apex being filmed at McLaren). Others may say that the storyline isn't the most sophisticated of journeys. To claim any of that would miss the entire point of the film. If you want proper, true-to-life F1, watch the Senna documentary (or just watch an F1 race), and if you want a weaving complex narrative, take on one of Brad Pitt's earlier efforts in Seven. This is unashamedly Hollywood; a true summer entertainment blockbuster and a visual masterpiece celebrating the pinnacle of motorsport. The efforts to remain true to life to F1 do more than enough to give this film credibility. Most of all, the movie will undoubtedly bring in a new audience to F1, in the same way that Formula 1: Drive to Survive continues to achieve. Not only will it help the sport in its expansion efforts, given that anyone watching this around the world, young or old, cannot fail to be mesmerised by the spectacle of the sport. Given what Warner Brothers and Apple have put into the film for production, and the supporting efforts to promote this film, there is no doubt that this is another landmark moment for F1. F1 The Movie releases in Bahrain today, June 26. It's well worth a trip to the big screen.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain registers National Philharmonic Orchestra as private institution
Bahrain has established its first national philharmonic orchestra, following an official decision published this week by the country's cultural authority. Under a decision by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra has been registered as a private cultural institution. The orchestra, created by Bahraini maestro Mubarak Najem, will be based in Isa Town and carry out its cultural role independently. Its starting fund is BD2,000, held with a local bank, though there is no limit on its financial scope. According to its founding documents, the orchestra plans to use music as a way to bring communities closer, encourage dialogue, and promote understanding. It aims to support local talent, hold regular performances and provide work opportunities for Bahraini musicians and composers. The organisation will be run by a five-member Board of Trustees chosen by the founder. The board will manage operations, finances and general direction, meeting at least four times a year. Urgent matters may be dealt with by the chair, as long as the full board reviews them afterwards.
