Riyadh, November 28, 2024 – In a significant move to promote traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Culture has entered into a collaboration with The King’s Foundation to participate in the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative. The agreement was signed in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan), which is currently being held at the Roshan Front in Riyadh. This partnership aims to breathe new life into the Kingdom’s rich craft heritage and foster skill development in traditional handicrafts across the nation.
The signing ceremony, held on the sidelines of the prestigious exhibition, saw the Deputy Minister of Culture, Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, representing the Ministry, while Dr. Khaled Omar Azzam, Director of the King Charles School of Traditional Arts at The King’s Foundation, represented the Foundation. The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to preserving and revitalizing Saudi Arabia's diverse craft traditions as part of the Kingdom's cultural renaissance, which aligns with Saudi Vision 2030.
One of the key components of the agreement is the launch of the “Regeneration of the Crafts of Saudi Arabia” program, set to begin in January 2025. This program will focus on reviving Saudi craft traditions and promoting regional craftsmanship through a series of specialized training programs. These initiatives will be rolled out across several Saudi regions, enabling local artisans to renew traditional designs while incorporating contemporary elements to appeal to modern markets.
The King’s Foundation – a prominent educational institution founded by King Charles III of the United Kingdom in 1986 – brings its extensive experience in traditional arts to this collaboration. The Foundation’s School of Traditional Arts has long been at the forefront of promoting traditional skills and creative practices through graduate programs and hands-on training courses. The Foundation will design a customized curriculum aimed at enhancing design and craft techniques, enabling artisans to regenerate the Kingdom’s rich craft heritage.
This strategic partnership is a key element of the Ministry of Culture’s broader efforts to foster international cultural exchange and bolster Saudi Arabia's domestic craft production. It reflects the Kingdom's commitment to revitalizing cultural traditions and nurturing talent in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural development as an essential aspect of the country’s economic and social transformation.
The cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and The King’s Foundation is set to not only elevate Saudi craftsmanship but also contribute to the global recognition of the Kingdom’s vibrant cultural identity. By engaging artisans and creating platforms for collaboration and training, this initiative will pave the way for the Year of Handicrafts 2025, ensuring that Saudi Arabia's unique craft traditions are celebrated and preserved for generations to come.