Over the past few weeks, a lot has been said about the Spring of Culture, most of which was deservedly positive. So it should, because we finally can say that we truly have something remarkable and intellectually stimulating.
Here, we get a rare chance to come face to face with the best the world of culture, art and literature has to offer. Poets, singers, writers, dancers and artistes present it with a flavourful, delectable dose of the finest arts.
It is a much improved programme over the previous year and one that is assertively taking the festival to the next level, with a balanced mix of international and local acts.
The festival has created a wonderful and colourful atmosphere, unlike any we've witnessed before in Bahrain.
The organisers have certainly got it right this time, from the varied and exciting line-up of events, to the organisation, marketing and presentation of the programme.
They certainly deserve a round of applause for their efforts. The Arab and Muslim world's art scene needs a shot in the arm and the Spring of Culture could be the protagonist in reinvigorating a vital element in our communities. Art has no language and culture is not an enemy!
Those who for some reason fear the arts and look at culture as another source of 'devilry' are stone-headed individuals who apparently have no understanding of the word, nor of its role in shaping a collective sense of progressive thinking. Then again, that is exactly what those 'voices' - who claim to be representatives of the people - fear.
Last week, terrorists targeted one of Iraq's liveliest and most renowned cultural areas, Abu Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad, in an obvious attempt at destroying the cultural backbone of the country, which has always been known for its proud cultural and artistic heritage. The street, named after the renowned classical Arabic poet, is lined with bookshops and open-air book stalls.
We've had enough of being pinned down, of being told that all we do and think is wrong, of being looked at as 'cultural terrorists', just because we voice our opinions, because we do things differently and because we enjoy art. How dare we?
I hope - and I'm positive it will - that the Spring of Culture grows bigger every year and that more and more people realise its potential and importance. To have celebrated performers from around the world performing for our pleasure is a privilege and we must take full advantage of it while we can. My only complaint, me being a writer and all, is that there aren't enough readings or talks by internationally renowned authors. I would've loved to see a couple of big-name authors sharing their literature with us... perhaps that's something for the organisers to consider for next year's version.
The cultural scene in Bahrain has been witnessing a much-needed refreshing surge in recent times. This cannot be a bad thing for the country, if anything it should open up a debate on cultural-fusions and the role of contemporary art in modern Islamic/Arab community.
Appeared in GDN Vol XXIX, NO. 356, Sunday, 11 March 2006
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