Municipal Council approves murals to bring rich heritage, culture and history to the streets
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Plans to turn Muharraq into an open-air gallery moved forward yesterday, with the municipal council giving its backing to murals on public buildings and walls.
The idea is to breathe life into the city’s heritage while bringing businesses on board as sponsors, with their support acknowledged through low-key branding.
Artists will set to work on key sites, painting large-scale scenes of pearl divers, old souqs, and well-known figures.
The murals are expected to brighten up Muharraq’s streets and strengthen its draw as a cultural and tourist spot.
Identity
A report backing the project spells out Muharraq’s long-standing ties to Bahrain’s identity. The push is part of a wider effort to bring new energy to the city while getting people involved in keeping its past alive.
Walls and buildings will be turned into canvases, with themes ranging from the island’s seafaring history to traditional architecture and street games from years gone by.
Bond
Councillors believe the murals will help strengthen the bond between locals and their surroundings.
The artwork will go up in some of the most noticeable spots.
Shaikh Khalifa Al Kabeer Highway, Al Ghouse Park, and Airport Avenue are all on the list, along with bridges, main roads such as the approach to Shaikh Hamad Bridge, the ring road, and a mix of government buildings and power substations.
Council member Saleh BuHazza said, “We want these murals to be seen by as many people as possible, whether they live here or are just visiting.”
Benefits
While the creative side of the project grabs attention, the council is also pointing to its economic and educational benefits.
“The murals will bring more people to the area, which means more foot traffic for local shops and cafes,” BuHazza added. “Schools and colleges will also have a role to play, using mural-making as a way to give students a hands-on go at creative skills.”
The council hopes this will strengthen the link between young people and the arts while giving them room to develop their own style.
Plan
A key part of the plan is getting businesses and community groups involved.
Companies will be able to support the murals by chipping in with funds or materials, with their names added to plaques next to the finished pieces.
The council insists branding will be kept in check, though it’s an unusual mix of cultural work and business backing.
The thinking is that it gives firms a way to give something back while finding a new way to get their name out there.
New idea
This isn’t a new idea. Cities across the Arabian Gulf region have been giving their streets a new coat of paint in recent years.
Dubai has mixed street art with heritage themes as part of its urban design.
In Saudi Arabia, Jeddah’s public art drive has turned whole streets into outdoor galleries, filling walls with scenes from its maritime past.
Scenery and traditions
Oman has taken a different tack, with murals that reflect its scenery and traditions. Qatar added its own artistic flourishes to city spaces before the 2022 World Cup, using street art to weave local culture into the urban sprawl.
Councillors see the efforts as proof that mural art can do more than just add colour to walls.
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