Saudi Arabia highlights museums' growing role in heritage preservation
JEDDAH: The Saudi National Museum hosted International Museum Day celebrations in Riyadh on Saturday under the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.'
The event brought together cultural and heritage experts, artists, and enthusiasts for a day of dialogue, workshops, and interactive sessions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It opened with a panel titled 'Living Heritage in Rapidly Changing Communities,' followed by a thought-provoking session on 'Museums and Change.'
Speakers discussed how museums can evolve to reflect and respond to the fast-paced transformations shaping modern society.
A highlight was an interactive session on 'Saudi Storytelling and Performing Arts in Museums,' emphasizing the power of narrative in preserving cultural identity and passing values to younger generations.
The session illustrated how museums can serve as dynamic platforms to showcase intangible heritage through immersive experiences.
Another panel, 'Technological Challenges in Cultural Heritage,' explored innovative ways to safeguard and share heritage using digital tools.
This theme was further explored in the workshop 'Craft and Technology: The Art of Digital Weaving,' where participants examined the intersection of traditional crafts and modern digital techniques.
Throughout the sessions, participants stressed the importance of community engagement, reinforcing museums' role as inclusive spaces for education, creativity, and cultural innovation in a rapidly changing world.
The event also featured additional panels and workshops on museums' evolving role in preserving identity and addressing contemporary challenges.
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