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Arab News
22-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi fund celebrates cultural innovation at Storytellers event
Riyadh: The Cultural Development Fund hosted the third annual Storytellers event in Riyadh, bringing together key officials, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and creators from various cultural fields. The gathering is part of the fund's efforts to strengthen connections, explore new opportunities and support the sector's momentum, according to the Saudi Press Agency. It featured a keynote by the fund's CEO, Majed Al-Hugail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, behind the CHEFPreneur program — one of the initiatives supported by the fund. The program equips aspiring chefs with culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses. The gathering also celebrated 42 graduates of the program who had completed their training. In line with its commitment to supporting enabled projects, the fund showcased several beneficiary projects, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand. The event featured cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests took part in traditional crafts like prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition showcased works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Al-Shahrani. Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition honored the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia with vibrant colors and intricate details. The event aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector and nonprofit organizations to drive sustainable growth in the cultural sector, contributing to economic development and enhancing quality of life. Nawaf Al-Owain, the fund's marketing and communication executive director, told Arab News: 'This annual gathering is part of the fund's efforts to foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders and sustain the cultural sector's momentum. 'It also reflects the fund's role as a key financial enabler and its commitment to empowering creatives and cultural entrepreneurship.' He added: 'Now in its third year, the event has become a cornerstone of the fund's outreach efforts, establishing a platform that unites creatives, entrepreneurs and influencers to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and explore collaboration opportunities across cultural and financial sectors. 'By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the fund aims to promote partnerships that drive growth and sustainability in the cultural sector.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's CDF Brings Together Cultural Leaders, Influencers at ‘Storytellers' Suhoor
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted the 2025 "Storytellers" Suhoor, bringing together high-ranking officials, cultural and development sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators across various cultural fields. The gathering is part of the fund's ongoing efforts to strengthen connections within the cultural sector, explore new opportunities, and support the sector's exceptional momentum. As a key financial enabler, the CDF continues to play a vital role in nurturing Saudi culture and inspiring creativity. The evening featured a keynote speech by CDF Chief Executive Majed Al-Hogail, followed by remarks from representatives of the Elite Chefs Center, the team behind the "CHEFPreneur" program—one of the initiatives supported by the fund. The event also celebrated 42 graduates of the program, recognizing their successful completion of the training journey. The CHEFPreneur program is a specialized training initiative designed to equip aspiring chefs with both culinary expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to launch their own projects and establish competitive businesses in the field. In line with its commitment to supporting projects it has enabled, the CDF showcased several beneficiary projects during the event, allowing guests to experience their creative offerings firsthand. Held in a distinctive Ramadan atmosphere, the gathering included cultural activities aligned with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. Guests engaged in traditional craft experiences such as prayer bead-making and henna art, while a special art exhibition featured works by visual artist and craftswoman Naifah Alshahrani. Inspired by the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the exhibition paid tribute to the rich heritage of southern Saudi Arabia. The interplay of colors and intricate details added a unique artistic touch to the evening. This marks the third consecutive year the CDF has hosted the "Storytellers" event. The 2025 edition was held at AlMashtal Creative Incubator—one of the fund's beneficiaries—reinforcing its ongoing support for cultural entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the cultural landscape. The event also aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to drive the sustainable growth of the cultural sector, ultimately contributing to economic development and enhancing quality of life.
