At the heart of Muscat’s vibrant art scene, celebrated Omani visual artist Anwar Sonya is preparing to transform an unconventional space — the lobby of Aloft Muscat — into his next canvas.
Guests checking in or stopping for coffee this October will find themselves in the midst of a live art performance, witnessing Sonya breathe life into images of Oman’s neighbourhoods, skylines, and timeless human stories.
This artistic encounter is more than an impromptu display — it’s the outcome of a purposeful collaboration between Aloft Muscat and Stal Gallery and Studio, designed to weave art into the fabric of daily life.
The partnership places Omani artists at the center of cultural engagement, bridging creativity, community, and corporate responsibility.
For Sonya, whose paintings often blend nostalgia with modernity, the opportunity represents visibility and connection. “Art lives through people,” he often says - and here, that connection unfolds in real time, turning a hotel lobby into a living dialogue between artist and audience.
The collaboration goes beyond aesthetics. It’s part of Aloft Muscat’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to nurture Oman’s creative ecosystem. While the hotel provides the venue, hospitality, and logistical support, Stal Gallery offers artistic direction, mentorship, and curatorial expertise to ensure authentic engagement and impact.
“Whether it’s featuring local artists or supporting creative, community-driven initiatives, we see it as our social responsibility to spotlight the voices that define Oman’s evolving identity,” said Ramy Hamdoun, General Manager of Aloft Muscat.
Through this initiative, established and emerging artists gain a chance to reach audiences beyond traditional gallery walls. Visitors are invited to witness the creative process up close, listen to the stories behind each brushstroke, and reflect on the cultural narratives shaping Omani identity.
The collaboration also opens pathways for young talent linked to Stal’s Young Emerging Artist Prize, guided by senior artist Hassan Al Meer. Participants take part in art talks, mentorship sessions, and exhibitions hosted within Aloft’s dynamic creative spaces.
According to Volodymyra Sobolevska of Stal Gallery and Studio, the initiative serves as “a bridge between artists and audiences, between tradition and experimentation, and between hospitality and heritage.” She coordinates experiences such as art tours and ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions, enabling meaningful cultural exchange for both guests and creators.
For Anwar Sonya, the live performance embodies a dialogue between past and present - a fusion of storytelling, memory, and renewal. As he paints, scenes of old Muscat blend with images of transformation, mirroring the balance that defines both his work and the partnership that sustains it.
The collaboration will extend beyond the event, featuring a filmed interview and social media outreach to amplify the artist’s message and celebrate Oman’s cultural legacy. In championing initiatives like this, Aloft Muscat and Stal Gallery and Studio are redefining how CSR can nurture creativity and community — turning art into a shared experience, alive and accessible to all.
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