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AL-AHSA: Al-Ahsa has joined 118 other cities worldwide for the 16th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Held from July 1-5 in Braga, Portugal, the event was attended by Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s assistant director-general for culture.
During the conference, Al-Ahsa, which became a member of the network in 2015, showcased its experience in preserving handicrafts and folk arts.
RIYADH: The dynamic evolution and global presence of Saudi art was discussed during a panel at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair on Saturday.
The session titled “History of Saudi Art” explored how the arts scene in the Kingdom has developed to new heights in recent years.
Participants emphasized that the Saudi orchestra today represented the collective voices of artists who have shaped the country's vibrant artistic landscape.
The session was organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and featured distinguished speakers, including academic Nauman Kadowa and Saudi researcher Manal Al-Harbi, with moderation by visual artist and researcher Hanan Al-Hazza.
Kadowa highlighted the multiple transformations Saudi art has undergone, particularly with the establishment of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission and the Music Commission.
These institutions, he noted, have played a pivotal role in reinforcing national identity while serving as bridges for Saudi art to connect with the global community, adding: “Saudi art reflects both our rich past and our promising future.”
Kadowa also underscored the need for a centralized informational hub to consolidate resources and references on Saudi art, calling for collaboration between cultural, artistic bodies, and municipal entities.
Al-Harbi focused on the reciprocal relationship between art and society, describing how Saudi art reflects the customs and traditions of the Kingdom, with roots dating back to prehistoric times.
She lauded the work of late artist Safeya Binzagr, whose paintings vividly captured Saudi traditions. Al-Harbi also noted that many Saudi artists, through their international studies and scholarships, have continued to uphold this cultural responsibility on the global stage.
Al-Harbi addressed a critical challenge in researching Saudi art history: the scarcity of references.
This limitation, she suggested, could be alleviated through collaboration with municipal authorities, whose preserved documents may offer valuable insight into the Kingdom's artistic heritage.
As Saudi art continues to grow and evolve, this session at the Riyadh International Book Fair illuminated the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing and promoting its cultural legacy on a global scale.
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, they discussed the escalation in the region, developments in Lebanon, and the efforts being exerted in this regard.
Israeli attacks intensified on Saturday on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern towns.
According to a Higher Defense Council report, the death toll in the past 24 hours had reached 37, with 151 injured, raising the total number of victims in Lebanon since the confrontations began to 2,011 dead and 9,535 wounded.
RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Saturday to the Sultan of Brunei on the anniversary of his accession to the throne, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king wished the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Brunei steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting on Saturday with Jean-Noel Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, to discuss relations and key regional developments, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their talks, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Barrot emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and France, focusing on shared interests.
High on the agenda were the ongoing situations in Gaza and Lebanon and the international efforts being made to address them.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati and Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the foreign minister for political affairs.
The exchange highlighted both nations' commitment to working closely on pressing international matters, SPA added.
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has announced the activities accompanying the second Saudi Film Confex, which is set to take place from Oct. 9-12 in Riyadh.
These activities will include interactive experiences, with the Business Hub as a key highlight. The space will serve as a center for signing agreements and forging partnerships among companies in the film industry.
In addition, Consultation Platforms will offer specialized advice on various aspects of filmmaking, from financing to production, and provide an area for freelancers to register and connect with companies needing their expertise.
An interactive activation will also be available, giving visitors hands-on experience in roles such as actors, photographers, directors, and other key positions within a film crew at the On-Set Challenge.
The Film Talk segment will bring together prominent figures in the film industry to share their success stories, insights, and experiences. Alongside this, an exhibition will showcase cutting-edge equipment used in aerial cinematography.
The Junior Filmmaker zone will provide children with an engaging introduction to filmmaking through interactive and simplified activities, while the Cinematic Arts zone offers insights into the art of makeup and costume design, demonstrating the process of transforming a character from concept to screen.
The Saudi Film Confex also features an exhibition representing key locations across the filmmaking value chain. It will showcase a specialized conference with 30 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering various aspects of the industry.
The activities are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, offering a deeper understanding of the film industry’s diverse aspects and shedding light on the untapped potential within this burgeoning sector.
