Global artists converge on Oman for flower show
National Museum of Oman is hosting the first-ever flower show in the Arab world, organised by the World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA).
The event - named 'International Conference for Floral Artists' - commenced on Sunday and will continue till Wednesday, with participants from over 18 countries.
Madhvi Khimji, the event organiser, shared her enthusiasm for the conference. "This event is a global platform for showcasing the talents of some of the best floral artists. It's an exceptional opportunity for local florists to present their work alongside international participants.”
She informed that the concept for the event emerged during the
COVID-19 pandemic and materialised after three years of planning. “This four-day celebration of floristry is a testament to our dedication to foster creativity and cultural exchange," Madhvi said.
Highlighting the uniqueness of Oman's floral culture, she presented a striking model representing Oman's landscape, crafted using 50 different types of local flowers and twigs.
Madhvi emphasised the growing interest in floriculture in Oman, noting the increasing motivation and potential within the country's florists.
The conference features a wide array of activities, including lectures and workshops spotlighting the skills and creativity of the participants in flower arrangement. In addition to guided tours of the National Museum, the event includes contests and live demonstrations of artistic floral arrangements.
The conference has attracted floral artists from around the globe, including Madhu Shah from Australia, Kitty Gallaghar from Ireland, and Oman's own Poornima Subramanian.
Founded in 1981, WAFA is a non-profit, non-partisan international organisation of floral art societies. Its mission is to enhance the diversity of floral art by transcending cultural barriers and introducing innovative ideas. The event in Oman marks a significant milestone in bringing together fresh perspectives in floral art from across the world.