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Since arriving in Japan in 2005, after a gruelling two-year stint in what has got to be one of the most stinky jobs on earth, I’ve been pleasantly surprised in regards to “art” and how society accepts it here. In train stations around Tokyo, you will almost never fail to spy someone carrying a musical instrument or anything else art-related. In my university campus and on almost everyday, one could notice dozens of people of different ages painting. New art exhibits are announced weekly in the hundreds of galleries around Tokyo, mostly displaying local artists’ works.

Rewind. Pause. Focus.
Keyword: LOCAL artists.

I’ve been asking some of my friends - who are in their mid-twenties (just like me) - about what they think of the environment in Bahrain in terms of it encouraging local artists - regardless of their medium of expression. I had a few mixed answers. One group said that Bahrain is very stifling to art just because there are too many social restrictions and obligations. The second said that it is very difficult to find places in which art may displayed/shared with others. Another group said that the reason there aren’t much activity by artists is because people are lazy.

These three groups do make a strong argument, in my opinion, and show different angles to what I think is a problem. Looking at the movements of art (such as music, graphic art, theatre, poetry, literature, cinema), I do believe that Bahrain - and the Gulf in general - is not keeping up with the modern movements noticed in places like Cairo and Beirut (mind you, these cities have been cultural centres for many generations). I realize that Bahrain is a small country and does have a small population (making the artist-pool even smaller) but there is reason to lead one to think that Bahrain would be an ideal environment for artists to develop.

Some of the reasons one would think that Bahrain ought to be an inspiring place are:
1. It’s the only country in the Middle East (and the only Arab country - besides the Comoros Islands) that is an actual island.
2. Socially, Bahrain is very diverse and has been influenced by the comings and goings of many different cultures and societies.
3. Our nature is unique compared to other neighbouring places.
4. Unique traditions and folklore.
5. It’s one of those places that seem to be teetering between East and West - in an interesting way.
6. Bahrainis tend to be more open-minded than many neighbouring societies (although I have my doubts after recent events).

One of the “blows” that hurt me was the whole issue the Parliament made earlier this year over a performance by two of my personal heroes, Lebanon’s Marcel Khalife and Bahrain’s very own Qassim Haddad. That, in my opinion, is a clear act in silencing expression and is a step that isn’t healthy in the development of local art. There were similar reports of artists being silenced in different time periods in independent Bahrain’s modern history, but I don’t wish to get into this. There aren’t enough halls dedicated to artistic performances or galleries in which artists can display their works. There aren’t enough art and music schools.

This may lead one to think that there is potential, but there is no direction nor is there any sources for any output.

Here in Japan I get many requests to play the Oud for different audiences and in different events to share Middle Eastern heritage with the people here, even though I’m just an amateur. This makes me sad knowing that in Bahrain, I would probably not find invitations as easily unless I was “exceptionally” good. It’s all just a catch-22; how can you expect musicians and artists to be “good” if there is no encouragement to develop their skills and build on their experiences?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?