Riyadh: Under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the institute is hosting the Traditional Arts Forum from January 25 to 27 at King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum is structured around six main pillars that combine scientific research, cultural dialogue, and interactive experiences, alongside specialized knowledge publications and other programs. These pillars address themes that promote capacity building, knowledge transfer, global cultural cooperation, and a forward-looking vision for traditional arts.
As a scientific platform aimed at developing the traditional arts sector, the forum offers a comprehensive program featuring more than 30 panel discussions and lectures, as well as six workshops in partnership with Korea National University of Cultural Heritage. It includes the participation of over 80 speakers from within the Kingdom and abroad, along with several enabling agreements that support this promising sector and connect traditional arts with contemporary development approaches.
The forum is also expected to launch a collection of Wrth publications targeting researchers, practitioners, and those interested in traditional arts. These include a book on traditional Bedouin Sadu weaving, a book on entrepreneurship in traditional arts, and the Wrth guide to traditional arts terminology, contributing to the organization of knowledge in this field and strengthening its reference base.
By organizing the forum, Wrth affirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s and its wise leadership’s commitment to supporting traditional arts as an integral part of Saudi national identity.