#OmanPride: Children in care get ‘edutained’ at new Artbox venue at Barr Al Jissah

Muscat: More than 20 children from a child care centre run by the Ministry of Social Development were hosted by Barr Al Jissah to celebrate the opening of the
Artbox at the Al Mazaar Edutainment Centre.
From tiny tots to those in their early teens, all these children were given different art materials to help them show their creative side and come up with personalised art pieces. Mentored by artists from the Omani Society for Fine Arts, the children also decorated a Christmas tree with their creations.
One of the teachers accompanying the students said the children had a lot of fun and the occasion gave them an opportunity to put on their creative hats. “They are having fun. It is very nice to see them being so creative.”
Artbox is a unique concept to promote arts, and encourages children to create their own masterpieces. Visitors can also become involved in art workshops – from t-shirt painting, origami and sand art, to Ramadan and back-to-school art activities, which will all be led by Barr Al Jissah’s resident and guest artists.
Designated art walls such as the Hands of Oman wall, Omani Orchard wall, Rainbow Jigsaw wall, You Create wall and Chalk wall will encourage interactive art, while the gallery space will showcase the children’s artworks.
Launched in November, Al Mazaar offers a dynamic programme for kids’ entertainment, sports activities, art, culture and much more for adults and children alike to enjoy. Besides the art and entertainment boxes, Al Mazaar is also home to SpringBox - Oman’s first ever trampoline hall and the biggest of its kind in the region with sports activities including basketball, climbing and a specially-designed gladiator course.
Fun-packed events schedule will also feature regular Family Fun Days, sports and wellness activities and educational workshops curated by influential names from Oman and the region.
Al Mazaar Edutainment Centre is open daily from 9am to 8pm, and bookings can be made at the
Al Mazaar ticketing office on 24776856. — Photos by Jun Estrada