In a first, Saudi Arabia to offer ‘cultural residency’ to international artists

Riyadh also announces support to artists, scheme of art prizes, scholarship programmes and culture fund

In an unprecedented development, international artists will be offered an opportunity to take up residency in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

The new “cultural residency” scheme was announced with many of the reformist initiatives at an event in Riyadh on Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture, Arab News reported.

To support artists, a scheme of art prizes, scholarship programmes and a culture fund was also announced.

“Today marks a turning point in the history of our nation,” said Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

He added: “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.”

The launch of the #MinistryOfCulture will enable arts and culture to support international exchange and understanding, economic growth, and accessibility to all.#OurCultureOurIdentity pic.twitter.com/f2lmyexJjq

— وزارة الثقافة (@MOCSaudi) March 27, 2019

In one of his tweet’s, the minister said that the initiative seeks to promote Saudi talent.

“We will work to promote culture as an enabler of coexistence and peaceful dialogue, and we are marching confidently towards a promising futurel,” Prince Badr said.



A new Culture Ministry logo with Saudi Arabia’s traditional colours was presented on screens by Saudi performers including Mohammed Abdo and Rashid Al-Faris during the ceremony.

تتألق فرقة الأوركسترا الآن في رسم ملحمةٍ موسيقيةٍ صاغها الشاعر الأمير بدر بن عبدالمحسن والتي تتداخل فيها أدوات العازفين ونغمات الموسيقى لتعبر بلسان واحد عن الثقافة السعودية الثرية#ثقافتنا_هويتنا pic.twitter.com/SUWGIpd9ig

— وزارة الثقافة (@MOCSaudi) March 27, 2019

The Culture Ministry released a statement from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stating: “We take immense pride in the historical and cultural legacy of our Saudi, Arab, and Islamic heritage.

The ambitious plans in Saudi Arabia began with the launch of Vision 2030 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016.

The plan would work on 24 goals in economic, political and societal development, with a special focus on promotion of culture. “Our vision is a strong, thriving and stable Saudi Arabia that provides an opportunity for all,” the crown prince said.

The story originally appeared in Arab News