Portrait contest to celebrate National Day

Muscat: The Omani Society for Fine Arts (Osfa) and BankMuscat announced a first-of-its-kind national painting competition coinciding with the 39th National Day celebrations titled ‘Qaboos Oman’ aimed at creating the best portrait of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

“We take this opportunity to greet His Majesty the Sultan on the occasion of the 39th National Day celebrations. We are proud to associate ourselves with BankMuscat in organising this national initiative aimed at providing a unique opportunity for the artist community to enrich the Omani heritage,” said Maryam Mohammed Al Zadjali, director of the Omani Society for Fine Arts, at a launch held at the Al Bustan palace Hotel.

“The competition seeks to provide an opportunity for artists to soar on their creative wings in honour of the leader of Oman’s renaissance,” AbdulRazak Ali Issa, BankMuscat Chief Executive, said in his speech.

"The initiative by BankMuscat is aimed at identifying and encouraging artists, both amateurs and professionals, to develop their skills and make valuable contributions,” he added.

“The contest is open to all Omani and expatriate artists residing in Oman, who would like to express their appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan, patron of fine arts in Oman,” announced Maryam.

The artists should register with the Osfa and the painting has to be done at the society premises in Muscat or Salalah.

Six short-listed entries will be judged by an expert panel constituted by the OSFA alongside an SMS voting campaign for the top prizes. The competition begins on November 10 and artists will be given 7 days till November 17 to complete their works at the society premises.