Culture Ministry And The King's Foundation Sign Agreement To Promote Handicrafts In Saudi Arabia For 2025

The Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia, represented by Deputy Minister Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, has entered into a collaboration with The King's Foundation. This partnership was formalised during the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) in Riyadh. The agreement aims to support the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative through the Foundation's School of Traditional Arts.

Dr. Khaled Omar Azzam, director of the King Charles School of Traditional Arts at The King's Foundation, signed on behalf of the foundation. The collaboration seeks to rejuvenate and promote traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia by developing and implementing training programs across various regions. A significant part of this agreement is the "Regeneration of the Crafts of Saudi Arabia" program, set to launch in January 2025.

The School of Traditional Arts will spearhead efforts to create a tailored program that focuses on design and craftsmanship. This initiative aims to breathe new life into Saudi craft traditions throughout the Kingdom. By doing so, it hopes to preserve and enhance these cultural practices for future generations.

The King's Foundation, established in 1986 by King Charles III, is dedicated to promoting urban design and traditional architecture principles. It emphasises placing people and communities at the heart of design processes. Through its School of Traditional Arts, the foundation offers graduate programs and training courses that focus on traditional arts and skills.

This agreement aligns with the Ministry of Culture's strategic goal to foster international cultural exchange as part of Saudi Vision 2030. By supporting activities for the Year of Handicrafts 2025, the ministry aims to implement targeted training and development programs for Saudi artisans in design and craftsmanship.

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Culture, was present at the signing ceremony. The event underscored the ministry's commitment to enhancing craft production throughout Saudi Arabia as part of its broader cultural initiatives.

The collaboration between these entities represents a significant step towards reviving traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia. It reflects a shared vision for preserving cultural heritage while fostering innovation within traditional arts.

With inputs from SPA