Al Noor Forum celebrates blind creativity

MUSCAT: The Al Noor Cultural Forum, organised by the Al Noor Association for the Blind, opened in Muscat on Sunday with the participation of 14 Arab countries.
The event, held at Azzan Bin Qais International School, will run until October 23, offering a vibrant platform for cultural and artistic exchange among the visually impaired.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and attended by representatives from government and private institutions supporting the visually impaired community.
Dr Raed bin Abdul Hafeez al Farsi, Chairman of the Al Noor Association for the Blind, said the forum aims to empower the blind to express their cultural and artistic creativity, establish a network of knowledge and artistic communication across the Arab world, and host training workshops in culture and arts.
He noted that the event gathers a distinguished group of writers, poets, visual artists, craftspeople, theatre professionals and musicians from various Arab countries, showcasing the creative potential and cultural contributions of blind individuals in the Arab world.
The forum’s opening day featured a theatrical operetta performed by blind participants, along with a tribute to artist Ghanem al Sulaiti, the forum’s guest of honour. Institutions supporting the visually impaired in culture and arts were also recognised. An art exhibition was inaugurated, displaying remarkable visual and craft works by blind artists.
The day concluded with a discussion session titled 'From the Culture of the Visually Impaired – Omanis Throughout History.' Dr Mohammed al Shueili presented a paper on 'Sighted Blind People – Examples from Omani History', while Prof Hassan al Matroushi explored the experience of blind poets in Omani literary history.
Running through October 23, the forum’s agenda features Arabic musical evenings by bands such as Angham Al Sharq from Cairo and Doniatna from Alexandria, alongside performances by blind musicians from participating countries.
The event offers audiences a rare opportunity to celebrate the artistry, resilience and creativity of blind Arab talents who continue to enrich the region’s cultural landscape. - ONA