Young artists in Oman shine in third edition of ‘Emotions of the Oceans’ exhibition which opened at Bait al Zubair Museum on April 28

As part of the 400 Years of Maritime Heritage between Oman and the Netherlands and the broader Cultural Week celebrations, Green Life Art Center, in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Oman, presented the 3^rd edition of ‘Emotions of the Oceans Art Exhibition and Competition’- a vibrant celebration of young creativity, emotional storytelling, and environmental awareness.

The event brought together colourful reflections on marine life, showcasing the emotional and imaginative connection young artists aged 6 to 15 years old feel toward the oceans and marine life.

The selected artworks were exhibited during the celebration of Dutch King’s Day at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Muscat, on April 27 and were on display at the inauguration at Bait Al Zubair Museum on April 28, which also marks the opening of the Dutch Cultural Week. The exhibition will continue at Bait Al Zubair Museum until May 8 for public viewing.

In addition to Emotions of the Oceans, Green Life Art Center has slated two interactive eco-art workshops at Bait Al Zubair Museum during the Cultural Week. These sessions will feature activities such as Green Book storytelling, eco-art projects, and educational tours, inspiring students to connect with sustainability, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Alongside the exhibition, Emotions of the Oceans featured a children’s art competition, where around 60 artworks were submitted by schools and independent participants. After a careful and fair judging process, 20 paintings and 3 sculptures were selected, celebrating outstanding artistic expression and emotional depth, disclosed Niasa Mobtada, founder of Green Life Art Group who has been championing the cause of promoting art with a message among budding, young artists in Oman.

The participating schools and centres this year included Apple Green Private School, Asas Private School, Downe House International School, Green Life Art Center, Najeya Bint Amer Al Hajri Government School, Pakistan School Salalah, PDO School, and Sultan’s School, besides independent participants.

Prior to the event, Creative Mentorship sessions were offered to all participants — providing general creative guidance, exploration of marine themes, and encouragement for artistic growth without offering any unfair advantage in the competition process.

The judging panel combined cultural, artistic, and educational expertise, and included H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, Maryam al Alawi, renowned Omani contemporary artist, Green Life Art Center Team, and experts in art, education, psychology, and literature.

The special opening ceremony at Bait Al Zubair Museum featured a live Dutch orchestra performance, speeches by distinguished guests, alongside the celebration of the young artists’ creativity — marking a beautiful union of art, education, sustainability, and cultural friendship.

Through Emotions of the Oceans and its broader Cultural Week activities, Green Life Art Center continues to empower young voices, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen cultural bonds between Oman and the Netherlands through the universal language of art.

Cultivating a creative future

At Green Life Art Center, our key motive is to inspire young minds to see art not just as a skill, but as a powerful way to express their emotions, connect with their environment, and find their unique voice. As an interdisciplinary centre focusing on art, psychology, and literature, we nurture not only artistic techniques but also emotional intelligence, imagination, critical thinking, and personal growth. We place a strong emphasis on well-being and sustainability, helping children develop a deep connection with themselves, their community, and the world around them. Through initiatives like Emotions of the Oceans, we hope to cultivate a new generation of talented, thoughtful artists who will enrich the cultural and creative landscape of the sultanate in the years to come.

Niasa Mobtada