Royal Bridges initiative exhibits works by regal artists

Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, a member of the Bahraini royal family, is seeking to help artists from a similar background to himself reach a wider audience

Blue by Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Courtesy Royal Bridges
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A unique exhibition of work by nine artists from regal backgrounds is heading to Dubai in November.

It is part of Royal Bridges, a new initiative that aims to encourage people to view members of royal families from around the world as legitimate artists in their own right, as distinct from their ­affluent ­origins.

It was founded by Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, a member of the Bahraini royal family. A keen painter, considered one of the country’s leading artists, he is the president of the Bahrain Arts Society and founder of Art Bahrain.

He launched Royal Bridges to help artists from a similar background to himself reach a wider audience.

“Royal Bridges is a new initiative that links the Middle East with the world, as well as global artists of distinct backgrounds with new audiences for their work,” he says.

“Forging new bonds, encouraging emerging audiences and collectors, and building greater awareness and appreciation are all among the key aims of the Royal Bridges platform.”

His work and that of nine other royal artists will be on show in Convergence, a one-day public exhibition in Dubai on November 30. The works will include paintings, sculpture and even performance, from artists including Sheikh Dr Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani from Qatar, Saudi Princess Reem Al Faisal, Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanov of Russia and Lelli de Orleans e Bragança of Brazil, who are descendants of former royal families.

In the evening of the exhibition, Christie’s Middle East is supporting the initiative by hosting an auction of the exhibited pieces, the proceeds from which will be donated to the World Food ­Programme.

“Christie’s is delighted to support Royal Bridges on its inaugural exhibition and auction, as we share their commitment to bringing new artists and their works to the region and increasing the understanding and appreciation of art in a diversity of forms,” says Michael Jeha, vice chairman of Christie’s Middle East.

• Royal Bridges, including the Convergence exhibition and the auction, will take place on November 30 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. Visit www.royalbridges.org

aseaman@thenational.ae