By: Kaneka Subberwal

In the journey of my life, I have developed an understanding for social impact. To me, understanding your immediate society as well as having a wider knowledge of global cultures is something that encourages understanding, tolerance and dialogue between people.

After periods of self-reflection, which we all go through, I was drawn to the power of art and how art acts as a social snapshot told through abstract minds. I am lucky enough to be able to travel a lot; exposing myself to different cultures and art which has spurred my most recent project, ArtBahrain.

Interacting within the Bahraini society, I have been exposed to its local art scene which has a very strong presence. Here I have discovered an interesting, independent artistic spirit which is manifest since 1983. This tilt towards the arts has led me towards the idea of creating ArtBahrain.

In 1983, about 34 Bahraini artists approached the government and following their request, was established the Bahrain Arts Society, a non-government organization aimed at supporting culture and arts. The Bahrain Arts Society as it stands today has expanded to include many new members and will be participating with their pavilion at the ArtBahrain inaugural fair, to be held in Manama in October this year.

I strongly believe that the culture of a region offers an insight into the development of the nation. Artists and art hold a mirror to socio-cultural and economic issues in contemporary times. I fell in love with Bahrain primarily because of its beautiful cultural heritage, but more importantly for the strong sense of integrity of the people. One of the key motivations in my job is to provide an international platform for local artists.

In 100 years’ time I hope to see Bahrain as an established epicenter of art in the Middle East. My dream is for ArtBahrain to act as an accelerator for the celebration of culture and creativity, and our annual fair is something I hope that will become an inspiration for artists to become confident and recognizable on a global scale.

As an aspiring artist, or anybody working within the art world, the foundations of what we do is based on the freedom of thought and the boundless limitations that creativity brings. My advice for those who are unsure of being an artist is to be brave, opportunistic and never give up.

We hear of many instances where great artists in the past who have struggled to make a living in everyday life, I aim to ensure today’s generation have a platform to create great art.

There is an undeniable need for an all-pervasive language in the Middle East, to connect various schools of thought and exchange ideas to inspire others. This is why I am delighted that a number of international galleries ranging from the UK’s Albermarle Gallery to Tunisia’s Elmarsa Gallery, Bahrain’s Al Riwaq Art Space and Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Collections Gallery will participate in the fair.

Hopefully, by creating a common space for galleries and artists from around the globe to connect with collectors and art aficionados, neighboring Arab states will be more proactive in investing in and promoting their contemporary artists to the world.

Pioneers for Change is a seed-bed for innovative thought. An activator of personal potential. A catalyst for collective energy. A community to drive social change.

Our annual, international Fellowship is open to anyone aged 28 — 108 years old. We gather change-makers — a business person, a community person, an investor, a thinker or doer — who are willing to harness their talents, energy and resources as a force for good. 2016 dates available soon. Pioneers for Change is an initiative of Adessy Associates.

About Kaneka Subberwal:
Kaneka is the Co-Founder of ArtBahrain, an annual art fair to be held in Bahrain under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King. ArtBahrain expects to host up to 200 international art collectors, close to 2,000 VIP clients and approximately 10,000 visitors, the majority of whom will be looking to buy. The event is set to be a culminating point for artists, art collectors and art lovers. ArtBahrain will be an internationally minded art fair that will serve as a platform where artists and galleries from around the world will share space, ideas and inspiration with local artists.