The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) and The RAK Art Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate and nurture collaborations for educational initiatives at AUBH as well as the soon to be launched art space by the RAK Art Foundation called “The Art Station”, which will open its doors in early 2024.
A signing ceremony was held at AUBH attended by H.E. Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Founder of the RAK Art Foundation, and AUBH President, Dr. Bradley J. Cook.
This partnership between AUBH and the RAK Art Foundation will encompass a series of programs, collaborations, and events meticulously crafted to elevate the professional growth prospects of AUBH students and faculty. Beyond the university, this partnership will also reach out to Bahrain’s creative and arts community, delivering a diverse range of technical and theoretical courses primarily hosted at The Art Station, with select offerings available on the AUBH campus.
This agreement opens doors for AUBH students, regardless of their major, who have a passion for arts, innovation, or creativity offering them an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships at The Art Station. These internships offer invaluable experiences, encompassing activities such as job shadowing, studio management, and opportunities to try their hand at instruction. In addition to this, AUBH’s faculty members will share their expertise to enhance the offerings at The Art Station. Faculty members will lead classes and workshops, creating a collaborative effort that not only enriches the academic landscape but also extends the benefits to a broader artistic network. Through The Art Station’s courses, participants will have access to AUBH’s faculty members, who nurture a vibrant and supportive creative community.
Founder of the RAK Art Foundation, H.E. Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa commented:
“This partnership between AUBH and the RAK Art Foundation marks a significant step towards fostering a vibrant, interdisciplinary artistic community in the region. By synergizing academic rigor with the realm of artistic expression, this partnership is poised to unlock boundless possibilities for students, faculty, and the creative industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It epitomizes the commitment of the RAK Art Foundation to providing a holistic educational environment where innovation, creativity, and a profound appreciation for the arts thrive, enriching the cultural fabric of our country.”
Commenting on this partnership, AUBH President Dr. Bradley J. Cook said, “AUBH is unwavering in its commitment to providing a comprehensive educational journey that extends well beyond traditional academic boundaries. Our collaboration with the RAK Art Foundation is a testament to our dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and a profound appreciation of the importance of arts. We are proud to formalize this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RAK Art Foundation, marking the commencement of a collective effort to elevate both educational and professional prospects for AUBH students. This initiative is in line with our mission to support employment-readiness by preparing students for the competitive job market.”
In accordance with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, art education plays a pivotal role in advancing communities and nurturing future generations. Recognizing the significance of the arts enables students and individuals to cultivate self-expression and communication skills, opening doors to opportunities for fostering creativity and personal development.