Riyadh, November 23, 2024 — The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is set to play a prominent role in the second edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition, known as Banan, which will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29. Organized by the Saudi Heritage Commission under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture and Chairman of both the Heritage Commission and the CDF Board of Directors, the exhibition serves as a vibrant showcase for Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.
The theme for this year’s exhibition is "**Cultural Financing for Sustainable Heritage**," emphasizing the importance of financial support and investment in preserving and promoting traditional crafts. Through its participation, the Cultural Development Fund highlights its critical role as a key financial enabler for the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia. The Fund aims to strengthen its support for creative entrepreneurs and businesses, providing them with the necessary resources to sustain and enhance their ventures, particularly in the heritage and handicraft industries.
CDF will feature an interactive booth in the Heritage Commission's Partner Zone, offering artisans and entrepreneurs valuable opportunities to explore the Fund’s cultural financing services. These services are designed to support 16 cultural sectors across Saudi Arabia, from heritage preservation to the handcrafts industry, providing essential funding for businesses throughout the entire cultural value chain. By engaging directly with artisans, CDF seeks to understand their challenges and offer tailored solutions that will help them qualify for the Fund’s Cultural Financing Program, thereby boosting the development of their projects.
This year’s edition of Banan also marks a special collaboration between CDF and renowned Saudi visual artist Hams Murayh, whose stunning depictions of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri—a traditional form of decorative art created on palm fronds—will be featured in a live, interactive experience. This collaboration not only allows visitors to appreciate Murayh's captivating artwork but also offers the chance to purchase these pieces, helping bring her art to a wider regional and global audience. This partnership underscores the CDF’s commitment to promoting cultural projects and offering artists new platforms for exposure.
As part of its continued support for the handicrafts industry, the Fund is also inviting CDF beneficiaries to participate in the Exhibitors Pavilion. The pavilion will feature over 500 local and international creatives from more than 20 countries, creating a dynamic space for networking, collaboration, and business expansion. This offers artisans a significant opportunity to showcase their crafts to a broader audience, while also connecting with potential partners who can help them scale their operations.
Banan 2024 is not just a celebration of traditional Saudi handicrafts but also a vital space where artisans can promote their work and create new business connections. It aligns with the CDF’s mission to enrich Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape through sustainable investments and initiatives. Founded in 2021, CDF is a subsidiary of the National Development Fund, and it aims to foster the growth of a self-reliant cultural sector in Saudi Arabia. In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Culture Strategy, CDF is dedicated to enhancing the profitability and sustainability of the cultural sector by empowering individuals and businesses, enabling them to thrive in a competitive global market.
By providing funding, facilitating networking opportunities, and empowering artisans and creative entrepreneurs, the Cultural Development Fund is helping ensure that Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage not only survives but flourishes, making a significant impact both regionally and globally.