Call for new members as arts society takes off

One of the island's premiere arts societies, Elham, fears its future is in danger as it is slowly being drained of supporters and finances.

Writer and society member Melissa van Maasdyk said: "Elham is in danger of just disappearing.

"We are trying to get to a point where we can get some kind of financial contribution alongside some more participation from art-lovers and interested individuals."

Elham, launched in 2006, is an art society which aims to provide a platform for new and emerging creative talents to express themselves.

Melissa said: "It's amazing how so many different creative people all come together under one roof, there is so much participation in such a small place, it's fantastic!"

The society is currently run by Bahraini author and writer Ali Al Saeed and Indian artist Arthur D'Souza alongside Melissa.

Ali said: "After I finished my first book I realised there weren't many opportunities for local artists and writers to display their work.

"At the time I was looking and asking around in the hope of finding a place.

"I met up with two other people, artist Phoebe Boswell and writer Deonna Kelli Sayed who have now both left the island."

Together they formed Elham and the society has since showcased the works of various individuals including poets, painters, photographers, filmmakers, musicians and artists across different art galleries and cafes in Bahrain.

Arthur said: "We get a lot of support from so many people ... in so many ways. However, they come and participate and then everyone disappears.

"It then once again comes down to us to do everything from scratch.

"We need more people to come on board and get involved in the society and help it grow."

Ali added: "We started small but as we grow we are realising there's so much potential and growth in the field of art and culture in Bahrain.

"There is so much we can do but we cannot depend on just three people.

"Of all the projects that are coming up, we will definitely need help through sponsorships and also people to come on board as team members ... we are looking for someone who is committed to art and promoting it in this kingdom and someone who will stick around.

"We would like to get people involved in art and also encourage locals to be interested in the arts."

There was a possibility of Elham disbanding due to lack of support but Ali, Arthur and Melissa have decided to keep going, at least through their November programme, in the hope things will improve when the island's art lovers are made aware of the situation.

In April this year, the society hosted a three-day 'fusion of the arts' titled Live Art '08 at The Palace in Adliya.

Melissa said: "The event was very successful and based on this we are planning a festival, Elham Arts Fest '09, on a larger scale for 2009.

"We hope the festival will transform into a cultural hub for four days with live performances, street art, workshops, screenings, concerts, readings and other competitions at different venues across the island."

Elham held its October session on Tuesday at the Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

It featured three photographers - Italian freelance Loredana Mantello, Bahraini photographer Ali Riffai and Lebanese-Canadian architect Carla Saliba.

Their works were screened with background tracks composed by young musician Tarik Omar. He's also busy preparing a couple of brand new tracks exclusively for Elham.

There was also a reading by Filipino poet Carmela Labitoria.

Also on the list of events for this year is the Elham Photographers' Day Out on November 14 where photographers can enjoy a day with professionals Ali Riffai and Simon Chauvin after a workshop at the Albareh CafŽ in Adliya.

On November 30, Elham will hold another session at the cafŽ which will feature a performance by Omani oud player and singer Mohammed Juma Al Amri followed by a screening of several short movies.

These include The Body, a humorous whodunnit made in London by Bahraini producer Saleh Nass and Shanthi, a documentary by Indian filmmaker Anish Verghese about a nine-year-old boy on a road trip to the Himalayas.

As for the future, the society plans to introduce a membership card for individuals who are interested in participating and keeping up with Elham's activities and monthly sessions.