The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture discusses this year’s edition of Muscat Art and supporting the Omani public and artistic communities.
Canvas: What inspired the creation of Muscat Art?
HE Sayyid Saeed bin Sultan bin Yarub Al Busaidi:Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in cooperation with Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat Art was inspired by Oman’s vibrant artistic community, with established artists such as our current curators Alia Al Farsi and Hassan Meer, alongside emerging talents, both local and international. The vision behind Muscat Art was to create a platform for all artists to showcase their work while giving art enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with the artists themselves. More than an art fair, Muscat Art is a key moment in Oman’s cultural agenda celebrating the flourishing artistic talent within the country.
What are the goals of Muscat Art and how does it impact the regional art scene?
In its third edition, Muscat Art continues to serve as a shared platform, inviting both Omani and international artists to exhibit their work. The primary aim is to elevate cultural awareness and emphasise the importance of preserving artistic creations, ensuring that they remain a legacy for future generations. The event has grown in popularity over recent years, with increasing demand for exhibition spaces and a rising number of attendees. Our aspiration is to gain greater regional recognition, positioning Muscat Art not only as a key event in Oman’s cultural calendar but also as a significant regional gathering, attracting galleries and artists from across the region.
Who attends Muscat Art?
Muscat Art attracts a diverse audience each year. Communities close to the artists regularly attend, purchasing artwork, engaging with the creators and discovering new talents during the three-day exhibition. Last year, we saw an increase in attendance from local and regional art critics and collectors looking to invest in emerging Omani artists. Most importantly, the event has become a social hub for Muscat, bringing together people from all walks of life.
What can we expect from this year’s edition? Who are some of the exhibitors?
This year, Muscat Art will once again host over 200 artists and 18 galleries, primarily local, along with a selection of international and regional talent. A key highlight of this edition is the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists Alia Al Farsi and Hassan Meer who will help curate the event and extend invitations to international artists. Audiences can look forward to works from regional artists representing Iran, Yemen, Palestine and Lebanon, as well as contributions from local artists and international creators hailing from India, the UK, Sudan, Germany, Hungary and beyond. This event serves as a bridge between cultures, offering a unique opportunity to experience art that transcends borders and celebrates our shared humanity.
Can you tell us about the venue for this year’s Muscat Art?
Muscat Art takes full advantage of the incredible space at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The venue has become a leading host for major international and regional events and serves as a meeting point for communities to exchange ideas and envision the future. In the eight years since its opening, OCEC has become a cornerstone of Muscat’s daily life. Hosting Muscat Art here not only showcases the venue’s versatility but also highlights its modern and aesthetically remarkable spaces.
Located just 10 minutes from the airport and surrounded by four- and five-star hotels, OCEC is easily accessible for our international and regional audience.
Are there any complementary initiatives happening alongside the fair?
OCEC recently launched its own podcast studio, and with Muscat Art known for fostering conversations between artists and the community, we are introducing the Muscat Art Podcast. This series of four episodes will feature interviews with renowned Omani and international artists, including Alia Al Farsi, Anwar Sonya, Hassan Meer and Tania. The episodes will be available on YouTube and promoted on the Muscat Art Instagram page for all art enthusiasts.
On an educational note, the fair will also inspire creativity within the public, offering workshops on painting and sculpting led by local artists eager to share their expertise with the community.
How does Muscat Art engage the community? What role does it play in supporting the local art scene and promoting contemporary art in Oman?
Our primary aim is to give the local community access to both established and emerging artists, both from Oman and abroad. While Oman has many excellent galleries, Muscat Art provides a unique opportunity for people to experience a broad selection of artwork over a concentrated three-day period. This helps deepen cultural awareness and offers a rare chance for direct interaction with the artists.
Beyond engaging the public, Muscat Art is dedicated to supporting the Omani artistic community. We provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and assist them in their ongoing creative endeavours.
What are your hopes for the future of Muscat Art?
We aim to continue serving as a platform for artistic development in Oman while expanding our regional visibility. Oman has a culturally engaged population, and we are committed to bringing more international artists to the country. We believe that the exchange of perspectives and skills is crucial for strengthening Oman’s art scene and fostering collaborations between local and regional artists.
Additionally, we hope to grow our community outreach and broaden our audience, inspiring more people in Oman to explore and appreciate art. Artistic expression is essential for personal development, and we want to ensure that as many people as possible have access to this experience.
Muscat Art runs from the 29-31 October 2024
For more information visit: https://muscatart.om or https://www.instagram.com/muscatart_om
