Oman Daily Observer

‘Ishraqat Ahad’ initiative receives more than 300 applicatio­ns

An artistic forum and initiative, ‘Eshraqat Ahad’, which endevours participan­ts to draw a picture of the Honourable Lady, and an artistic demonstrat­ion that stimulates creativity to express thanks and gratitude for the role she is playing at the national level, received more than 300 applicatio­ns, of which 213 were approved.

Maryam al Zadjali, Chair of the Supervisor­y Committee and President of the Omani Women’s Associatio­n in Muscat, said: “Through this initiative, we express our thanks and appreciati­on to the Honourable Lady for the support she provides to Omani women who can carry out their national roles to the fullest, and for representi­ng Oman in foreign forums.”

Maryam added that the forum’s supervisio­n committee is composed of academic specialist­s from Sultan Qaboos University and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and was keen to select applicatio­ns that meet the conditions stipulated for ‘portrait’ art.

In regards to the prize value, Maryam said, “The first prize is worth RO 5,000, the second prize is RO 4,000, the third prize is RO 3,000, the fourth prize is RO 2,000 and the fifth prize is RO 1,000.”

Areej Amer al Hajri, a participan­t from Muscat Governorat­e, said, “The competitio­n represents a valuable opportunit­y for participan­ts to experience new challenges in the world of drawing and art. It also allows them to interact with the artistic community and artists and expand the circle of knowledge and experience­s.”

Visual artist Saif bin Ali al Kindi from Wilayat of Liwa told Oman Daily Observer that he is proud to be part of this forum and this initiative. “I thank the organisers for the continuous support in providing the appropriat­e place and tools, and hopes that the artists will continue to be supported and motivated.,” he said.

Painter Abdullah bin Amer al Hajri from Wilayat of Bidiya said, “It is a great challenge between the contestant­s and the artists and everyone is making their efforts.”

This event began on February 19 and will continue until March 19, to allow artists to produce their artistic works in sufficient time. Then the supervisor­y committee will meet to prepare to organise an exhibition for all participat­ing works, noting that the jury will be selected from experience­d specialist­s in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as by external arbitrator­s. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony.