RIYADH: In a night showcasing arts and culture at a ceremony in Riyadh’s museum district, Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan announced new initiatives designed to transform the cultural sector into an essential part of people’s everyday lives.
Two masters of ceremony presented the Ministry of Culture’s roadmap before Prince Badr’s opening remarks.
The ministry “intends to create an environment that supports national talents in all areas and sectors, and to preserve the country’s culture and wealth,” he said.
“Our country is proud of its innovators and talents who, with their works, have reached unprecedented heights and won important awards.”
The ministry strives to present Saudi Arabia’s rich culture in the best way possible, based on the Vision 2030 reform plan’s goal to enhance quality of life and raise citizens’ aspirations, Prince Badr said.
The event brought together members of the media, entrepreneurs, artists, Saudi officials, cultural influencers, and government representatives from around the world.
It included orchestral performances of traditional Saudi music, and a dinner hosted by Prince Badr at the King Abdul Aziz Heritage Center.
The new initiatives include a fund to support artists, scholarship programs, arts prizes, festivals, exhibitions, libraries, fashion weeks, a national theater, a national film archive, a cultural city, and a visa scheme for international artists to visit Saudi Arabia.
“Today marks a turning point in the history of our nation. It is rare that a nation undergoes such a massive revival of its culture, and that is exactly what is happening,” said Prince Badr.
“The transformation of arts and culture will benefit all Saudis, young and old, from every corner of our country. It will help build bridges of understanding,” he added.
“For our children, we will build a Saudi Arabia where their creative sprits can flourish, confident in their past, stepping out into the future and into the world.”
