Al Batinah North students turn art into enterprise

SUHAR: The General-Directorate of Education in Al Batinah North has concluded the ‘Creative Industries in Visual Arts’ project for 2025-2026 academic year, an initiative aimed at transforming students from art learners into creative producers capable of developing and marketing their own artistic products.
Organised by the Visual Arts Unit, the project sought to bridge the gap between artistic talent and entrepreneurship by introducing students to the expanding role of creative industries in modern economies.
Through a year-long programme, participants explored how visual arts can evolve from a classroom subject into a platform for innovation, economic participation and community engagement.

Dr Awatif al Ghafri, from the organising team, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Oman’s future creative capital. “The project equips gifted students with the mindset and skills required for the economies of tomorrow. By connecting art, innovation, and entrepreneurship, we are helping students see their talents not only as a form of self-expression, but also as a pathway to future careers and economic participation,” she said.
She added that the long-term impact of such initiatives extends to the wider community.
“They nurture a culture of creativity, encourage self-reliance, and inspire young people to become active contributors to national development. These students may one day lead creative enterprises, launch innovative projects, and help shape Oman’s knowledge-based economy,” she noted.
The project included a series of stages such as awareness sessions, student registration, mentoring, field follow-ups, and final evaluations.

Majid al Maamari, an arts supervisor at the directorate, said, “The project was developed to help students realise that creativity can be transformed into real economic value. We wanted young artists to experience the full journey of innovation, from generating an idea and creating a product to presenting and promoting it.”
He added that the initiative also aimed to strengthen the role of visual arts teachers as mentors who can nurture entrepreneurial thinking alongside artistic skills. “Our goal is not only to discover talented students, but also to equip them with the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to contribute to Oman’s growing creative economy,” he said.
The project concluded with an awards ceremony honouring outstanding projects. In addition to category awards, special prizes were presented for Best Project Idea, Best Marketing Campaign and Best Presentation.
According to organisers, the initiative serves as a practical example of how education can support economic diversification by investing in creativity, innovation, and youth talent — key pillars of Oman’s future development strategy.