- New Ministry and leadership to support Saudi arts and culture 
- A new cultural residency allowing international artists to stay in the 
Kingdom for the first time 
- Cultural initiatives intended to kick-start the sector announced at Riyadh 
event 

Arts and culture in Saudi Arabia have today been given a major boost with a 
plan to transform the sector.

At a ceremony in Riyadh's museum district Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan 
Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's first Minister of Culture, announced that the cultural 
sector is to be transformed to make it part of people's everyday lives.

A document entitled "Our Culture, Our Identity" explains how arts and culture 
will support international exchange and understanding, contribute to economic 
growth, and will be accessible to all.

"Our Culture, Our Identity" sets out several ambitious initiatives that will be 
supported by the new Ministry.  These include a culture fund, scholarship 
programmes, arts prizes, and a residency scheme for artists to stay in Saudi 
Arabia.

Saudi culture and heritage were celebrated at the event, which was attended by 
Saudi Government officials, cultural influencers, as well as government 
representatives from around the world. It included orchestral performances of 
traditional Saudi music and a dinner hosted by His Highness Prince Badr at the 
National Museum. 

Prince Badr, Minister of Culture, said:

"Today marks a turning point in the history of our nation.  It is rare that a 
nation undergoes such a massive revival of its culture. And that is exactly 
what is happening with the launch of this Ministry. 

"The transformation of arts and culture will benefit all Saudis, young and old, 
from every corner of our country. It will help build bridges of understanding.  
And for our children we will build a Saudi Arabia where their creative spirits 
can flourish, confident of their past, stepping out into the future and into 
the world."

"Our Culture, Our Identity" can be found on the Ministry of Culture website. 

About the Ministry of Culture: 

The Ministry of Culture was established by Royal Decree A/217, under the 
leadership of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's first dedicated Minister of Culture.

The Ministry was created to act as the guardian of culture, heritage and the 
arts, creating the conditions for the sector to flourish.

It will support and enable a vibrant Saudi Arabian culture that is true to its 
past and looks to the future by cherishing heritage and unleashing new and 
inspiring forms of expressions for all.

The Ministry has a crucial role to play in delivering the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia's ambitious transformation programme, Vision 2030, contributing towards 
building a vibrant, thriving, and ambitious nation.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/842440/Ministry_of_Culture_Logo.jpg )


SOURCE: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture