RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, or Wrth, has opened registration for six specialized academic programs in collaboration with leading international universities and academies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The programs aim to preserve Saudi traditional arts, promote their global presence and support the Year of Handicrafts 2025, in line with the Kingdom’s cultural development goals.
Offerings include master’s degrees in traditional furniture design, costume design for performances, museum and exhibition curation, and digital heritage, as well as a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in choreography.
Programs last one to two academic years and are held in person at Wrth’s Riyadh headquarters. There are no tuition fees, the SPA reported.
The programs combine theory and practice to prepare specialists to transform the traditional arts sector into a sustainable cultural and economic resource.
Wrth invites interested applicants to register and review program details at wrth.edu.sa/programs/construction-diploma-program, with studies beginning at the start of the academic year.
The institute works to promote national identity, enrich Saudi traditional arts, recognize talent in the field, and encourage the mastery and development of these crafts.
Meanwhile, Wrth is taking part in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which runs until July 15. The initiative aims to promote Saudi traditional arts internationally, support entrepreneurs and offer interactive experiences to the public, in line with the Year of Handicrafts.
The event also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the two countries, and fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.
Wrth’s program features activities blending Saudi and Japanese cultures in a contemporary style while preserving the authenticity of each tradition, the SPA reported.
A live demonstration by Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artisan Yuho Ohkota showcases Al-Ahsa Bisht embroidery applied to a Japanese kimono in a modern artistic form.
The participation also includes a workshop where visitors can craft a Japanese fan decorated with Saudi-inspired patterns using innovative stamps designed by Fidaa Al-Amri, a Wrth graduate with an advanced diploma in traditional product development.
