Event promotes Saudi Arabia’s historical identity with graffiti

A Saudi graffiti artist paints the wall which reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (SPA)

RIYADH: In an event held in Al-Bujairi neighborhood in Diriyah accompanying the first Saudi Antiquities Forum, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) set up a special place to draw Saudi antiquities in 3D, with the help of a sketch artist.
The events included four sections of graffiti, under the supervision of Saudi visual artists, reflecting the Kingdom’s heritage and antiquities, and introducing visitors to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage embedded in history.
Majed Al-Hayzan, manager of the touristic events and projects at the SCTH, considered the forum’s accompanying events an important factor to raise awareness and strengthen national sentiment among citizens on the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
The events also included a studio for children, represented in an awareness-raising corner, to introduce them to the Kingdom’s archaeological and historical sites through coloring and drawing, under the title “Our Talents Are in The Hands of Our Children.”
Recently, the courtyards of the King Abdul Aziz Historic Center in Riyadh turned into a theater for events and activities in conjunction with the launch of the first Saudi Antiquities Forum.
These events helped introduce the Kingdom’s non-materialistic culture, and were attended by large audiences which were eager to enjoy the events and shows.
The events included education and awareness-raising plays representing everyday life stories about discoveries and excavations, as well as folk shows including the Saudi Ardah, and models representing major Saudi archaeological and heritage sites (Madain Saleh, Salwa Palace, Historical Jeddah, Al-Okhdood, and Al-Rajajeel) on the grounds of the National Museum in Riyadh.
A number of artisans participated in these events that also included handicraft shows, popular food parlors, men’s costume shows, stories told by famous writers and many others.
Visitors also watched a live show of excavations and discoveries of antiquities, by a specialized team. This show was accompanied by a “Colors” exhibition which showcased a collection of pictures featuring the Kingdom’s archaeological and heritage sites.