Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority Enhances Traditional Craftsmanship
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has recently launched the ‘Handicrafts Training Program’ in line with its efforts to preserve the handicrafts and traditional industries in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The project, which is managed by the Directorate of Handicrafts at BTEA, has attained outstanding achievements through the workshops that were delivered by experienced craftsmen in the field. The intensive workshops contributed to develop the skills and expertise of more than 70 trainees including craftsmen, artists, and art teachers.
The workshops enhanced coordination and collaboration between the Kingdom of Morocco and BTEA which in return will contribute to fostering the bilateral relations between both countries.
Trainees will benefit from the expertise and skills of the Moroccan craftsmen seeing that the traditional Moroccan products are known to be the finest hand-made products in the world.
The workshops, held at the Al Jassrah Handicrafts Centre, kicked-off with a wood engraving session which took place from the 15th to 26th January by the Moroccan expert Mohammed Al Fashtali and involved 17 trainees who benefited from the workshop.
This was followed by the Ceramics Glazing workshop which was held from the 5th to the 23rd of February by the Moroccan expert Sadoq Abd AlAli, where participants were shown the methods of painting on ceramic with distinctive techniques.
Additionally, a Gypsum workshop was delivered by Abdullatif Al Sabar which concluded last week and certified the trainees on the 23rd March.
A hand embroidery workshop which commenced on the 19th of March and continued until the 6th April was designed for women and was held by the Bahraini trainer Sakina Al Kafas.
Commenting on this workshop, Shaikha Wafa Saif Al Khalifa, the Director of Handicrafts Directorate at BTEA said: “Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is fully committed to preserve the traditional handicrafts in order to realm the industry and sustain this significant resource as an integral part of the tourism sector. Therefore, we have launched this training project to further invest in our local talent and the Bahraini craftsmanship skills, with the aim of refining their skills further so this vital industry can continue to prosper.”
“The workshop has attracted Bahraini craftsmen and is a sign of their passion for knowledge and lifelong learning”, she added.