4th Sand Sculpture Forum “Ugaro 2018” Kicks off in Lattakia

LATTAKIA, (ST)- With the participation of more than 30 artists from different Syrian provinces, the 4th Sand Sculpture Forum “Ugaro 2018” kicked off on Sunday at the shore of the Sports City in Lattakia. The event was organized by the Union of Plastic Artists in Latakkia and the National Association for Tourism Development in Syria.

Sahar Hmeisheh, head of the National Association for Tourism Development, said in a statement at the opening ceremony that various artistic forums play key role in disseminating cultural awareness in society. This forum contributes to activating internal tourism in the light of the participation of artists from all Syrian governorates, Hmeisheh added, according to the Syrian News Agency SANA.

On his part, Director of the Forum Ali Mu’alla expected notable turnout at the forum due to the large number of participants in the areas of plastic art as well as sand sculpture and sandstone sculpture.

He pointed out that the Syrian history and archeology are present in the forum through building an Ugaritic gate for entering the forum’s square.

Shadia Daaboul, a sculptor, said sand sculpture has a distinguished specialty as sand is a highly sensitive material not like stone, wood or metal which are suitable for sculpting.

Hala al-Jari, another participating sculptor, said the forum helps create a state of interaction and rapprochement between the artists and other categories of society and it enhances visitors’ culture.

“It is a first step towards a key cultural project aiming to make art an essential part of people’s culture and life,” al-Jari said.

Activities on the sidelines of the forum, which continues till next Saturday, include children games, concerts and theatrical shows.

Hamda Mustafa