Latest news with #MinistryOfCulture
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's ministries of culture and education have launched an Arts and Culture Academy, the first government-run school of its kind in the Kingdom. The initiative aims to identify and develop talented young people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. In its inaugural year, the academy will operate in Riyadh and Jeddah, admitting students in the fourth grade of primary school and first grade of intermediate school. The academy combines accredited academic curricula with specialized cultural programs in a stimulating and enriching learning environment, the SPA added. Initially, it will target students with talent in drawing, acting, music and singing. The plan is to expand to all educational levels and regions of the Kingdom. Students will follow the standard Ministry of Education curriculum alongside intensive cultural programs in a balanced daily schedule. The school day is divided into two sessions: morning for academic work and afternoon for cultural activities, according to the SPA. The academy will open in the 2025/2026 academic year at Al-Nakheel district in Riyadh for boys, and Al-Sheraa district in Jeddah for girls. Admission has three stages: online registration, performance evaluation and interview, and admission notification. Students are admitted based on seat availability. Students can apply at:
Asharq Al-Awsat
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Culture, Education Ministries Launch 'Arts and Culture Academy'
The Saudi Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, announced the launch of the "Arts and Culture Academy," which is the first government-run school of its kind in the Kingdom. The initiative aims to identify, support, and develop cultural talents among students in general education. In its inaugural year, the academy will begin operating in Riyadh and Jeddah, admitting students in the fourth grade of primary school and the first grade of intermediate school. The national educational academy combines accredited academic curricula with specialized cultural programs, offering a stimulating and enriching learning environment. In its initial phase, it targets fourth-grade primary and first-grade intermediate students who demonstrate talent in cultural and artistic fields such as drawing, theater and acting, music performance, and singing. The academy is set to expand in the future to include all educational levels and reach additional regions across the Kingdom. The academy offers the standard curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education alongside intensive cultural programs, within a comprehensive daily schedule that balances academic and creative cultural education. The school day will be divided into two sessions: the morning for academic subjects and the afternoon for the cultural program. The academy will launch in the upcoming academic year 2025/2026 at two locations: Al-Nakheel district in Riyadh for boys, and Al-Sheraa district in Jeddah for girls. The admission process consists of three stages: online registration, a performance evaluation and personal interview, and finally, notification of the admission result. Admission is conditional upon passing all evaluation stages and is subject to seat availability.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Calling +971: The New Book Profiling The Region's 50 Coolest Creatives
Ahead of its launch, the author of +971 – the first book of its kind to profile the local creative scene – discusses dialling into the cultural pulse of the nation There were many moments that led to the conception of this project, but one of the most defining came during the Covid pandemic. Amidst the chaos and fear, the creative community came together – we moved online, determined to continue our work and support of one another. It was heartwarming, endearing and hopeful. In that same spirit, the Ministry of Culture, then led by Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, launched the National Grants Programme to support creatives. Of all the pressing issues the country faced, it chose to prioritise the creative sector. I remember being deeply moved by this gesture, as were many others. The UAE – my home – was the first country to take this step. I've always believed in the creative community's power to document history. Their truth is one I seek out, one I believe in. So, when a government steps in to protect and elevate that truth, I can only bow in appreciation and respect. We are a young nation, but we have countless stories waiting to be told. That confluence – of our stories, our solidarity and our pride – became the foundation for this book. The idea began to take shape in 2020, when we were celebrating the UAE's 50th anniversary. That milestone was the initial inspiration behind featuring 50 creatives. But even then, I knew this would never be a one-off book. It was always meant to be the first in a series – an evolving chronicle of the UAE's cultural growth. As we started listing names, it became clear: this is a dynamic, expanding sector. The more we uncovered, the more certain I became that we were only scratching the surface. Finding the right publishing partner was key. I reached out to a few, and we chose Rizzoli – not just for its global reputation, but for its enthusiasm. That matters. I had already thought of the title: +971: 50 Emirati Creatives Shaping the UAE. It's contemporary and cool, but more than that, it's symbolic – it's the UAE's international calling code, a metaphor for dialling into the creative pulse of the nation. I also spent time researching what defines a creative economy. After segmenting the sector, we compiled exhaustive lists. Even after two decades in the field, I was stunned by the breadth of talent here. I knew the community was large – but not this large. It was awe-inspiring. We formed informal advisory bodies for each creative discipline – groups of respected specialists who voted on who would be featured. One of the most challenging parts was establishing the selection criteria. I insisted on dialogue, so the process was collaborative, with lots of back and forth. Those conversations were deeply enriching. Then came the actual making of the book – commissioning texts, planning photoshoots, sourcing images, copyediting… At one point, it all existed as a massive, colour-coded Google doc that looked more like an eye chart than a manuscript. It was an honour to have Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum author the foreword. She is an unwavering supporter of the arts and a voice to be reckoned with. I am indebted to everyone who worked on +971 and extend my deepest respect to the 50 creatives featured. They reflect the heart of our nation and the rhythm of its cultural scene. I am equally grateful to the supporters who saw the book's potential from the very beginning: the Meem Foundation, Cartier and Dubai Holding – joined by our generous patrons Abdelmonem Alserkal, Olivier de Mestelan, Salma Shaheem, Barbara Farahnick-Mathonet and all those who wish to remain anonymous. Their belief and support made this vision possible. The book will be released globally in September, and I'm genuinely thrilled – and ready for more. The UAE is my home. I've witnessed its extraordinary growth over the past 40 years, and I know this is only the beginning.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia's craft heritage
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, has announced a new research grant initiative to study traditional handicrafts. As part of the Year of Handicrafts campaign, the program invites scholars to examine how traditional crafts preserve cultural knowledge, embody inherited skills, fulfill social roles, and reflect economic practices that have shaped Saudi society. The grant covers six research categories to provide insights into handicraft studies. Applications are open until Sept. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. Historical research will trace the development of surviving and lost crafts over time, examining how social, economic, and political changes have influenced them. A second category focuses on craft promotion, investigating initiatives to support and institutionalize traditional handicrafts in contemporary Saudi society. Economic impact and creative economy studies will analyze how handicrafts contribute to the national economy, including comparisons of domestic and international markets for handmade cultural goods. Technology integration research explores how modern techniques, design and digital tools intersect with traditional methods to create market-ready products. Social research will examine community relationships with handicrafts and how cultural perceptions affect the sector's growth and sustainability. The final category addresses conceptual frameworks, critically analyzing handicraft terminology, its evolution, and making comparisons with related concepts such as cultural industries, fine arts, and the roles of craftspeople versus artists. Applicants must hold an advanced degree, master's or doctorate, or demonstrate equivalent expertise through substantial research. Late submissions will not be considered. Selected researchers must produce publication-ready papers suitable for peer-reviewed journals and comply with all guidelines and documentation on the grant website. Simultaneous submission to other funding bodies is prohibited unless the applicant withdraws from this program. Beyond supporting individual projects, the grant aims to strengthen local expertise in handicraft studies, foster researcher networks, and promote traditional handicrafts as a key element of Saudi culture. Interested researchers can apply through the ministry's website.
Arab News
15-07-2025
- General
- Arab News
Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts
RIYADH: The 'Arts Telling Stories' exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation's culture and history through authentic handicrafts. The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several 'Year of Handicrafts' initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community. Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment. The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation. It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region's geography, the SPA reported. The exhibition reflects the ministry's efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.
