Lack of recognition, monetary aid stunt growth of art forms in Oman

Muscat: Lack of proper development strategy has stunted the growth of artists in Oman, thereby impacting the growth of the creative craft as a whole, according to artists in Oman.
Even though organisations, such as the Society of Fine Arts and the Bait Al Muzna Gallery, have played an excellent role in promoting the art form in recent years, the growth has been slower than rising demand.
According to Sana Al Humaidi, an artist who has organised several art exhibitions in the country, art in Oman needs a future strategy to develop the art.
“There are several good artists with potential, however, lack of motivation in the form of recognition has disappointed them and held them back from pursuing their art with the needed passion. The lack of beginner to advanced level programmes that allow the gradual development of artists are missing in Oman, which also impedes the development of such potential.
“Organisation of annual exhibitions can encourage artists as well as motivate them as their work is bound to be recognised at such exhibitions.”
Al Humaidi also lamented the lack of financial support for her exhibitions.
“I have organised some very successful exhibitions, but that was on my own with little support from anyone outside. Most people vowed to support, but the promises were never fulfilled.”
She also mentioned there are people interested in buying creative paintings in Oman even if they are priced high.
“My exhibitions had visitors buying paintings, which made several artists very happy, considering their previous exposure to the visitors was minimal.”
Al Humaidi also suggested that such art work could be used to embellish the walls of restaurants, hotels and ministry buildings, which would also allow Omani artists to share their work and be recognised and appreciated.
Arts in Oman clearly require a well-defined strategy and investment, considering the high number of people interested, Al Humaidi noted.
Recognition of artists could be a driving factor which promises to motivate a more healthy and competitive environment, as well as provide a reference to the extent of the industry’s potential. Another artist, Abdul Majeed said the Omani arts market has suffered from an economic slowdown and needs to set its sights internationally.
“Omani artists need local art institutions and galleries, which have an agreement with global supply galleries in other countries so that Omani paintings and arts can be marketed abroad.”
Financial touch
Mohammed Al Hajri, an artist since childhood, said he believes art in Oman is treated only as a hobby and lacks a financial touch.
“In Oman, people’s mindset towards art needs a change. An example could be the disappointing reaction of a person when he learns the cost of a painting. This can only change if the perspective of people towards it changes.”

According to Sarah Shabeer Ali, who manages social media and digital marketing at the Bait Al Zubair Foundation, young artists in oman have the energy and the creativity to produce art, however they lack the encouragement and support.

“During one of our exhibitions, we were overwhelmed by the number of young Omani artists who took part; however, they lacked the confidence due to the lack of motivation and support . At Bait Al Zubair, we try to develop art by holding workshops and exhibitions, writing about artists and publishing it on our websites and recently we have started creating case studies for a few Omani artists, which would be published soon.”