PARIS: An exhibition of Saudi art and culture has officially opened at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris. Prince Badr bin Abdullah, minister of culture and chairman of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, inaugurated the event on Tuesday.
The exhibition aims to promote international cultural exchanges, the preservation and sharing of Saudi heritage and the development of the cultural environment.
The opening of the Saudi showcase coincided with the Forum of Ministers of Culture, which was hosted by UNESCO on Tuesday. The Kingdom was only participating nation to organize an event to accompany the forum, during which the key role of culture in public policy around the world was discussed, along with its effect on sustainable development.
The Saudi exhibition features 39 works by 19 artists, including contemporary works, bronze sculptures, photographs, a detailed presentation about Saudi heritage, poetry sessions, live music and culinary arts.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Commission for AlUla and Misk Art Institute, it takes visitors on an exciting journey through time, showcasing the history of the Kingdom through its culture and heritage, while the Misk Art Institute provides a round-up of the current Saudi arts and culture scene.
The event reflects the Kingdom’s cultural and educational initiatives in line with the principles of UNESCO. It is also designed to raise the awareness of the Kingdom’s rich cultural history and its creativity.
Also present at the launch of the exhibition were Prince Abdullah bin Khalid, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Austria; Noura Al-Kaabi, the Emirati minister of culture and knowledge development; and Park Yang-woo, the Korean minister of culture, sports and Tourism. They were joined by Saudi and French officials and senior figures from the fields of archaeology, arts, culture and nature.
During UNESCO’s 40th General Conference this month, Prince Badr said that “culture and arts are at the heart of the national transformation through the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to build a vibrant society, a prosperous economy and an ambitious nation.
“Culture is essential to human development and to building bridges of agreement among societies that pave the way for a stronger world, where all peoples are interlinked despite their differences.”
