AlUla, February 27, 2024, Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq engaged in a fireside chat on Monday with Laurent Le Bon, President of Centre Pompidou, as part of the AlUla Future Culture Summit.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the summit delves into strategies for advancing pivotal themes within the cultural sphere to drive societal progress and positive transformations for the future.
Welcoming approximately 150 participants, including leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from across the globe, the event serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration.
Altouq and Le Bon led a thought-provoking discussion titled “The Future of Museums: Thinking Outside the White Cube” during the second day of the forum.
Expressing his enthusiasm for hosting a diverse array of international visitors to witness the Kingdom’s remarkable transformation and development, Altouq underscored the summit's role in uniting global leaders and catalysts of change in the cultural realm who recognize the transformative potential of culture and the arts in societal advancement.
He highlighted the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the guidance of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, emphasizing the tangible outcomes of their support.
Altouq showcased the achievements of Saudi cultural initiatives, such as the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir's performances at the esteemed Metropolitan Opera House in New York City and the Red Sea International Film Festival’s contribution to fostering cinematic culture.
Furthermore, he announced Saudi Arabia’s representation at the prestigious Venice Biennale by leading contemporary artist Manal Al-Dowayan, highlighting the Kingdom's growing presence on the global cultural stage.
Altouq emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape, facilitating regional and global cultural exchange. Looking ahead, he called for leveraging developments in artificial intelligence (AI), preserving heritage, and exploring innovative approaches to shaping the future.
Encouraging participants to brainstorm ideas for advancing cultural innovation, Altouq stressed the importance of establishing a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world, as well as enhancing global creativity and skills through collaboration and exchange.
