Art Scene in Bahrain: Workshops and Galleries to Explore

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

At the crossroads of cultures and eras, Bahrain is home to a thriving art scene, where workshops and art galleries are multiplying to celebrate the richness of its creative landscape.

Beyond the ancient traditions that permeate the island, a new breath animates local artists, determined to showcase their talent on the international stage.

Whether it’s handcrafted textiles, bold contemporary paintings, or innovative sculptures, art in Bahrain flourishes in striking diversity, attracting the attention of enthusiasts and critics worldwide.

The exhibition spaces, often nestled in unexpected locations, stand out for their ability to astonish and inspire, turning each visit into an unmissable experience for art lovers.

The Current Art Scene in Bahrain

The contemporary art scene in Bahrain is marked by creative effervescence, the emergence of influential talents, and the dynamism of cultural institutions. Bahraini artists stand out for their diverse backgrounds—many are self-taught or studied abroad—and for the strong female presence that renews the themes addressed in their works, such as collective memory, hope, and coexistence.

Influential Contemporary Artists:

• Faika Al Hasan: exploration of identity and society
• Lulwa Bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa: symbolism around the sea and sky, reflection on human unity
• Omar Al Rashed: narrative series on love and daily life
• Othman Khunji: interdisciplinary practices focused on social messages

Current Trends in Bahraini Art

• Growing presence of women artists
• Conceptual art, interactive installations, contemporary photography
• Dialogue between local heritage (traditional motifs) and global issues (migration, environment)

Dominant Theme	Examples of Expression
Memory & Heritage	Narrative painting
Identity & Society	Immersive installations
Innovation	Digital arts

Role of Key Cultural Institutions

Structuring venues for artistic development:

• Al Riwaq Art Space: artist residencies, innovative workshops, international exhibitions; a true collaborative platform
• Adliya Art District: concentration of independent galleries, cultural cafes fostering encounters between local and international artists
• Manama Centre: private initiatives attracting new creators

The state also encourages creation through regional art festivals while private initiatives multiply hybrid spaces combining exhibition and training.

Emerging Galleries & Innovative Workshops

List of major spaces:

• Al Riwaq Art Space – international residencies
• Adliya Art District – architecture adapted to contemporary creation
• Modular spaces in Harbour Row or Marassi Bahrain – support for young talents

These venues regularly offer collaborative workshops to experiment with new techniques or media.

Recent Events/Festivals

Some flagship events:

• Bahrain Art Week (Paris edition in 2018) – international showcase for nearly 200 contemporary Bahraini works
• Local art fairs supported by the government or organized by private galleries promote discovery of new talents

These events also facilitate direct interaction between curious audiences and artists through open meetings/debates.

International Influences & Collaborations

• Exchanges with European art scenes during exhibitions like “The Legacy and the Contemporary Memory” at the Grand Palais in Paris
• Cross-residencies hosting foreign creators within the country

This mix stimulates transnational collaborations that enrich visual motifs as well as pedagogical methods. Dialogue with neighboring scenes (Saudi Arabia/Qatar/Abu Dhabi) further accentuates this dynamic.

The current art scene in Bahrain combines millennia-old traditions with contemporary innovations. It benefits from the active support of pioneering institutions while remaining open to external influences through international festivals.

Must-See Galleries in Bahrain

Must-See Galleries in Bahrain:

Gallery	History and Architecture	Artistic Contribution	Featured Styles and Artists	Major Events and Impact	Accessibility and Educational Programs
Albareh Art Gallery	Founded in 1998, contemporary architecture located in Adliya, clean and bright space fostering creation.	Plays a central role in promoting local and international artists, a driver of the modern scene.	Modern and contemporary works: painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography. Artists: Jamal Alyousif, Jamal AbdulRahim, Omar AlRashid, Annie Kurkdjian, Mohammed AlMahdi, Abed AlKadiri, etc.	Group and solo exhibitions, participation in international fairs. Notable influence on recognition of Bahraini and Gulf artists.	Accessible to all, workshops for artists, lectures, guided tours, advice for collectors.
Al Riwaq Art Space	Founded in 1998 by Bayan Kanoo, modernist architecture, versatile space in the trendy Adliya district.	Platform for local contemporary art, fosters innovation and cultural exchanges.	Contemporary art, street art, design, photography. Focus on young Bahraini and regional creators.	Festivals like Alwan (art/design), Market 338 (local creators), residencies, urban installations. Energizes the neighborhood, makes art accessible in public spaces.	Free entry, numerous workshops, training for children and adults, co-creation spaces, strong community involvement.
La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art	Restored historic building over a century old, blend of Islamic and European architecture, inner courtyard, fountains, amphitheater.	Multidisciplinary cultural center hosting exhibitions, performances, workshops, restaurant, and spa.	International contemporary art, temporary exhibitions by major names and young talents.	Major exhibitions, concerts, performances, creative workshops, culinary and cultural events. Essential meeting place for artists and art lovers.	Highly accessible, varied programming, workshops for all ages, cultural mediation activities, spaces adapted for visitors.
Arabesque Art Gallery	Founded in 1977, intimate ambiance, highlights the artistic heritage of the Middle East.	Values local and regional artistic history, a reference for lovers of classical art.	19th-century lithographs (David Roberts), works by Wahab Al Kooheji, ancient maps, Islamic art.	Exhibitions of historical collections, focus on ancient art and Bahraini memory. Impact on preservation and dissemination of heritage.	Easy access, guided tours by appointment, awareness of the country’s artistic history.
The Art Center	Founded in 1992, modern versatile space, located in Manama.	Essential venue for contemporary art, catalyst for graphic and photographic scenes.	Graphic arts, photography, calligraphy, Islamic art, creative workshops.	Thematic exhibitions, conferences, murals (calligraphy, Islamic art), collaborations with national artists.	Open entry, regular workshops, artistic interventions in urban spaces, innovative educational programs.

Diversity of Styles and Featured Artists:

• Contemporary and classical painting
• Sculpture
• Photography and graphic art
• Installation, video, and digital art
• Islamic art and calligraphy
• Design, street art, and performance

Featured Artists:

Major Bahraini artists: Jamal Alyousif, Jamal AbdulRahim, Omar AlRashid, Mohammed AlMahdi, Wahab Al Kooheji.

Creators from the MENA region and internationally: Annie Kurkdjian, Abed AlKadiri, Resmi Alkafaji, David Roberts (for lithographs).

Emerging young talents, notably through Al Riwaq’s residencies and festivals.

Major Events and Impact:

• Alwan (Al Riwaq): annual art and design festival, gathering of creators, workshops, and performances.
• Market 338: creative market highlighting local designers and artists.
• International group exhibitions (Albareh, La Fontaine): encounters with artists from around the world.
• Murals and urban installations (The Art Center, Al Riwaq): direct involvement in transforming the cultural and urban landscape.

Accessibility and Educational Programs:

• Generally free or reduced entry for students and groups.
• Artistic workshops for children and adults, guided tours, lectures, meetings with artists.
• Spaces adapted for people with reduced mobility, multilingual communication (Arabic, English).
• Strong involvement in democratizing art for residents and tourists, fostering cultural awakening and creativity.

Bahrain’s art scene stands out for its diversity, dynamism, and openness, making these galleries essential hubs for discovery, training, and intercultural encounters.

Artist Workshops, a Creative Melting Pot

Artist workshops in Bahrain are dynamic spaces where painting, sculpture, street art, photography, and multimedia installations intersect. These venues, often set up in historic neighborhoods or repurposed industrial buildings, foster encounters and the fusion of different artistic disciplines, creating a true creative melting pot.

The workshops allow local and international artists to:

• exchange ideas and techniques,
• collaborate on common projects,
• participate in group exhibitions,
• organize workshops open to the public.

This effervescence attracts creators with varied profiles, from abstract painters to street artists, and from sculptors to experimental photographers.

Workshop/Initiative	Particularities	Ambiance and Innovation
Bahrain Arts Society	Founded by renowned artists like AbdulRahim Sharif. Space for meetings, exhibitions, and debates.	Collaborative atmosphere, fosters interdisciplinary experimentation.
Albareh Art Gallery	Directed by Hayfa Aljishi, pioneer in promoting Arab artists.	Platform for emerging and established talents, international outreach.
Street Art Collectives	Bring together artists like Ayfu or Mustafa Halwachi.	Spaces for urban expression, innovation in techniques (graffiti, airbrush).

The impact of these workshops on the local art scene is considerable:

• Emergence of new talents through mentorship and transmission.
• International reach of Bahraini art through group exhibitions exported abroad.
• Revitalization of cultural life in neighborhoods hosting these workshops.
• Strengthening of social fabric: workshops serve as bridges between artists, institutions, and the public.

For the global community, these spaces contribute to valuing cultural diversity and the circulation of ideas, integrating into regional and worldwide contemporary art networks.

Here are some testimonials collected from artists who have benefited from this creative diversity:

“Each of us arrives with our own story and references, but the workshop pushes us out of our comfort zone. I discovered new techniques through exchanges with artists from other countries, and that transformed my practice.”

“The workshop atmosphere, between passionate debates and collective experiments, is incredibly stimulating. You feel supported and inspired, and that’s what allowed me to complete projects I never would have dared imagine alone.”

“The diversity of disciplines and origins in the workshop creates a unique alchemy. It’s an ideas lab where everyone finds their place.”