Art is a major contributor to Saudi National Day

Painter Farah Al-Ghanmi and other artists under the umbrella of Arbab Al-Heraf are grateful to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for opening the door of opportunities for talented individuals. (Photo/Supplied)

• “Saudi Vision 2030 touched the souls of the youth, and their happiness reflects the effects of all the changes that occurred,” Abdullah Al-Hodaif added

JEDDAH: Art is a method of self-expression, and through the social reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more and more artists are surfacing. These artists have paid great tribute to King Salman and his crown prince for allowing them the opportunity to express themselves fully.
Arbab Al-Heraf, a popular platform for artists in all fields, hosted its third annual Saudi National Day event at the Hilton Hotel on Monday.
Musicians, singers, painters and artists of all sorts, showed that the Kingdom is full of talent.
Arbab Al-Heraf’s founder Abdullah Al-Hodaif said this year’s national day celebrations have been very special.
 “We have witnessed that all sectors and divisions, private or governmental, are celebrating. I noticed people are celebrating national day in their houses. I believe this is because of the changes that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman brought to the youth,” he told Arab News.
“Saudi Vision 2030 touched the souls of the youth, and their happiness reflects the effects of all the changes that occurred,” he added.
He said that the changes that occurred in the Kingdom have helped Arbab Al-Heraf’s artwork attain a broader reach.
“Before the changes, we were very cautious about presenting anything that might conflict with the Kingdom’s vision, but now, it seems the Kingdom’s vision has been created for what we want to present. It supports better quality life, opening up to the world, forgiveness, and we at Arbab Al-Heraf present these values. Our country is very productive and artistic, and our people are intelligent.”
19-year-old foundation student and painter at Arbab Al-Heraf Farah Al-Ghanmni said art is a sincere expression of national pride.
“Art is a means to express many emotions, and for this occasion, love and loyalty for the country. It’s a silent expression, colors speak for these emotions.”
She said:  “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman granted artists many opportunities to participate in events, and painting has contributed greatly through the General Entertainment Authority.”
22-year-old radiology student and singer Sara Al-Sibaee said concert performances encouraged talents to express themselves.
 “Through allowing concerts, it encouraged many talents to surface. Aspiring singers used to think they had to travel to Lebanon or Dubai to be heard. Now, there are many talents with beautiful voices. I used to think the same myself when I was younger. Now the door is open and there are many opportunities,” she told Arab News.
Art contributes greatly to Saudi National Day celebrations, said Al-Sibaee “whether through poetry, music, painting and other forms of art. Music and lyrics immediately reach people, and this is good for the country.”