Muscat: The role of creative industries in nurturing sustainable economic growth and building a vibrant culture of innovation was discussed at the recently concluded Creative Industries Forum at Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muscat.
The forum began under the auspices of Dr Said bin Hamad al Rubaie, Vice-Chancellor of University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). Dr Abdullah al Shibli, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs also attended the event.
Dr Fatma bint Mohamed al Aamriyah, Dean of the College of Creative Industries, conceived the event to bring successful graduates, industry leaders, educators and public sector bodies on a single platform to explore the opportunities contributing to the advancement of the creative industries in the country.
Central to the forum's ethos was an exquisite art exhibition showcasing students' outstanding projects and achievements across various disciplines, including design, photography, fashion design and mass communication, serving as a resounding evidence to their creativity and innovative ability.
The two-day forum began on Monday, showcasing UTAS graduates and entrepreneurs in creative industries. The first day highlighted success stories from various fields like graphic design, architecture, photography and more. It emphasised the uniqueness of their visions and the impact on creativity and self-improvement.
Talented youths including Turki al Balushi and Mezoon al Riyami, showcased their work and emphasised the need for transformative thinking in Oman.
Turki al Balushi belongs to journalism, while Mezoon al Riyami has the distinction of working on some of the world’s big projects. She has designed many mosques in Oman as well.
Mezoon called for opportunities for those who think out of the box.
On the second day, industry luminaries discussed the economic impact of creative industries and the importance of educational initiatives. They debated the need for Omani films and the revitalisation of Oman's visual identity.
The forum stressed the importance of synergies between large corporations and grassroots enterprises and called for more investment in creative economy education.
The forum put emphasis on bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical experiences to cultivate creative professionals for societal advancement.
The College of Creative Industries aims to realise Oman Vision 2040 by grooming professionals aligned with the cultural strategy focusing on citizenship, identity, heritage and culture.
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