Artists express readiness to join efforts for beautifying Makkah

Artists who participated in a first-of-its-kind art competition to beautify Makkah have asked for similar contests in the future to be widely advertised to give more Muslim artists and painters the chance to participate.

Speaking to Arab News after a function to distribute awards to winners in Jeddah on Monday, the artists expressed their happiness to be part of efforts to make Makkah more beautiful.

“Makkah is in the heart of every Muslim, regardless of whether one is an artist or not. Contributing to making Makkah beautiful is an honour for all Muslims,” one of the participants said. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal handed out awards at the event that was held at the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in Abrug Al-Rughama, east of the Haramain Expressway.

All of the winners, including three Saudi artists, received cash prizes of SR112, 500 and gifts from the Makkah municipality, which organized the contest. In all, 22 winners were selected out of 442 entries. The winning paintings will now be erected in various parts of Makkah.

Renowned Saudi artist Shalimar Sharbatly said it is an honour to participate in a competition to beautify Makkah. She, however, denied previous knowledge of the competition but said she would be willing to paint if asked.

“I am willing, even at my own personal expense, to participate in the beautification of Makkah through my paintings. This is an honour for every artist, especially since millions of people visit Makkah for Hajj or Umrah,” she said.

Two of Sharbatly’s paintings are on display at Jeddah Corniche, including one in front of the Conference Palace.

The competition — held under the title “In Love of Makkah We Meet” — was announced about a year ago. Three Saudi painters won the first three places. Other winners were from Egypt, Iraq and Iran.

Makkah Mayor Dr. Osama Al-Bar, who supervised the competition, said art has existed throughout history and is still an excellent means of communication.

“Makkah, because of its historic significance along with its position in religion, has a special place in the hearts of all Muslims,” he said, adding that many more similar competitions would be organized in the future and would be duly announced.

Osama Al-Khiraiji, chairman of the organizing committee, said efforts are under way to make Makkah a centre of human civilization and architecture.