The Saudi Ministry of Culture on Saturday announced that hotels in the kingdom must acquire the artworks of local artists to support the country’s growing art scene, according to reports.
The move will strengthen the presence of Saudi art work in hotels to display the kingdom’s culture and heritage, putting the Kingdom’s cultural talent on display for visitors.
One Saudi artist, Noura Bouzo, co-founder of Saudi Design Week, told the UAE-based The National that the move by the Ministry “makes a huge difference and a lot of sense.”
“Hotels are one of the first stops that any tourist makes and for them to be showcasing Saudi art shows pride in local culture and enriches tourists’ journey and understanding of our culture.”
“It is very exciting as the Saudi art world has been making great strides locally and internationally. Like any other society, artists need stronger markets to support and encourage their art. This decision also goes hand in hand with Vision 2030 as it supports diversifying the economy and increasing local content.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is not just an economic reform plan, it is also a plan to open Saudi Arabia’s society to the world.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, created in 2018, is launching 11 specialized agencies encompassing music, museums, and performing arts.
The Kingdom has hosted several major art exhibitions and shows across the Kingdom. This month, in its inaugural edition, the Islamic Arts Biennale brings together centuries of faith and artistic expression to Saudi Arabia, which will take centre stage at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The Biennale celebrates cultural, intellectual, and artistic achievements that trace their origins to the House of Allah, Awwal Bait (“First House”).
