Latest news with #RoyalInstituteofTraditionalArts
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Wirth opens registration for world-class traditional arts programs in Riyadh
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wirth) has opened registration for six specialized academic programs in collaboration with top global universities and academies in the fields of art and design. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's cultural development goals and aligns with the objectives of the 'Year of Handicrafts 2025.' Launched on July 13, registration is available through Wirth's official website: The academic offerings include master's degrees, higher diplomas, and intermediate diplomas, all designed to merge traditional heritage with innovative design education. Among the new programs is a master's in traditional furniture design in partnership with Italy's Politecnico di Milano, one of the world's top 10 universities in architecture and design. Other offerings include a master's in performing arts costume design, a master's in museum and exhibition preparation (in cooperation with Italy's NABA Academy of Arts), and a master's in digital is also offering a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in movement performance programs range in duration from one to two academic years and will be delivered in-person at Wirth's headquarters in Riyadh, emphasize a balance between theoretical learning and hands-on experience to equip graduates with practical skills for contributing to the traditional arts sector as a sustainable cultural and economic academic expansion reinforces Wirth's role as a national leader in preserving and promoting Saudi identity and traditional crafts, both locally and institute encourages interested applicants to register and explore program details, with classes set to begin at the start of the upcoming academic year.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Cultural Week kicks off in Osaka to mark 70 years of Saudi-Japanese ties
Saudi Gazette report OSAKA — The Saudi Cultural Week officially launched in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event will run through July 15 at the Expo 2025 Osaka site. The weeklong celebration highlights the Kingdom's rich heritage and growing creative industries, placing special focus on the 2025 Year of Handicrafts initiative. The program introduces Japanese and international audiences to traditional Saudi crafts, artisanal demonstrations, and a photography exhibition chronicling the history of Saudi-Japanese relations. Participating entities include the Heritage Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wirath), the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), and Harf Saudi Company. Together, they present a vibrant schedule of live cultural activities and interactive displays. A traditional Saudi majlis (sitting area) offers visitors Saudi coffee and dates accompanied by a joint musical performance, reflecting the Kingdom's famed hospitality. Meanwhile, Saudi and Japanese artisans collaborate on live demonstrations of date palm weaving, sadu (a traditional form of weaving), and pottery-making. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is also exhibiting hybrid crafts that blend Japanese and Saudi elements, with student-led workshops inviting visitors to try hands-on techniques such as kimono ornamentation and bisht weaving. In parallel, the calligraphy center stages live performances where Saudi and Japanese calligraphers use handmade paper crafted from palm fronds. The King Abdulaziz Foundation is showcasing a photographic timeline of Saudi-Japanese ties, capturing key diplomatic moments and cultural exchange milestones over the past seven decades. Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 will continue to host over 700 cultural events, providing visitors with an immersive experience that showcases the Kingdom's diversity, heritage, and forward-looking transformation agenda. The pavilion also highlights national priorities such as sustainability and Vision 2030 through a range of engaging, multimedia exhibitions.
Leaders
24-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Wrth Fosters Saudi Crafts Sector with Aseer Authority
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) signed an agreement on Thursday with the Aseer Development Authority in Riyadh to support traditional arts, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The partnership seeks to elevate artisans' skills and empower crafts sector in line with the Year of Handicrafts 2025. By cooperating with specialized partners such as Wrth, the agreement aims at launching educational and training programs that contribute to preserving the authenticity of Saudi crafts. As part of Aseer Development Authority, the deal will play a pivotal role in achieving comprehensive development based on both authenticity and nature. Wrth Fosters Saudi Crafts Sector with Aseer Authority Both entities will collaborate in launching initiatives and projects, boosting professional empowerment and entrepreneurship, and developing craft products. Meanwhile, they will organize local and international events, exhibitions, and seminars to foster the presence of traditional arts in the cultural and tourism scenes. As a prestigious destination depicting Saudi national identity, Wrth seeks to showcase Saudi traditional arts at both local and global stages. The institute also preserves craft heritage and supports national talents through several initiatives and exhibitions. Related Topics: Wrth Collaborate with Namaa Almunawara to Support Traditional Arts Vintage Classic Cars Capture Eyes at Handicrafts Festival in Hail Saudi Culture Ministry Launches Crafts Hackathon As Part of Year of Handicrafts Short link : Post Views: 11 Related Stories
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIACH honours the fifth edition's winners
Film retrospective and opening address The event opened with a warm welcome to attendees, followed by a short film highlighting the award's journey since its inception. Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and chair of the award's board of trustees, delivered the keynote address, emphasising that the award embodies the Ruler of Sharjah's vision for supporting cultural heritage and honouring its custodians. He noted that Sharjah has become a global model in safeguarding and promoting heritage. Dr Al Musallam stated that Sharjah launched this award as an international platform to acknowledge excellence in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Today, we celebrate scholars, researchers, and storytellers who have left a clear mark in protecting our shared human legacy by underscoring Sharjah's leadership as a bridge for cultural dialogue worldwide. Director's tribute to heritage champions Ms. Aisha Rashid Al-Husan Al-Shamsi, Director of the Award, affirmed that this fifth edition continues the award's successful legacy, which is now firmly established among specialised cultural awards. She explained that the award realises the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah in protecting heritage and celebrating its guardians. This year, it also introduces 'Heritage Personality of the Year' to honour those who have devoted their lives to its preservation. She praised the combined efforts of the organising teams, juries, and supporting entities, which made this event a triumph. Presentation of Awards Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, accompanied by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam and Ms Aisha Al Husan, invited the winners to the stage to commence the awards presentation for this edition of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage. Heritage Personality of the Year Dr Najeeb Abdullah Al Shamsi from the UAE was named Heritage Personality of the Year in recognition of his decades of research and community work in preserving Emirati heritage and preventing its erosion. Winners across the three categories The fifth edition saw distinguished entries from around the globe, distributed across three main domains—local, Arab and international—and nine categories. In the category of Best Conservation Practices, the local award went to the Sharjah Quran Academy for its submission 'The Role of the Academy in Preserving Arabic Manuscript Heritage'. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Saudi Arabia won the Arab award for its study of traditional wooden door craft in Najd. The international award was claimed by the Malaibar Foundation for Research and Development for its 'Malabar Digitisation Initiative'. In the Narrators and Heritage Bearers category, the local storyteller award went to Muhina Ali Obaid Al Sureidi, the Arab Narrator Award was presented to Salman bin Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Hamad of Saudi Arabia, and the international storyteller award was won by Elizabeth Weir of Ireland. In the Research and Studies in Cultural Heritage category, Dr Aisha Ali Ahmed Al Ghaith Al Zaabi received the local research award for her study, 'Traditional Performing Arts and Folk Songs in the UAE.' The Arab research accolade was given to Saeed bin Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Farsi of Oman for his research on constancy and change in Omani fishing traditions, with a case study on North Al Batinah Governorate. The international research award was given to Jean Lambert of France for his study of the qanbūs, a short-necked lute originating in Yemen. The award also honoured several supporting organisations and he expert jury members. About the Award Established by Emiri Decree No. 19 of 2017, the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage is the first Arab award of its kind with a global scope in preserving intangible heritage. The award aims to spotlight outstanding conservation practices, celebrate storytellers, and encourage research that sustains cultural heritage. Academic, cultural, and media institutions worldwide participate in a distinguished ceremony annually to present the award.
Leaders
06-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Wrth Collaborate with Namaa Almunawara to Support Traditional Arts
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) has signed a strategic agreement with Namaa Almunawara to support the growth of traditional arts, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Signed at Wrth's headquarters in Riyadh, the partnership seeks to elevate creative economy and preserve Saudi Arabia's national cultural heritage. In line with the Year of Handicrafts initiative, the deal is set to empower national talents and creative skills. Through several initiatives, training programs and workshops, both entities will make a qualitative leap in the crafts sector. Furthermore, they will cooperate on organizing local and international events and exhibitions, spreading awareness and marketing content, and developing community initiatives. Related Topics: Wrth Organizes Saudi-Chinese Cultural Exchange Program Riyadh's Royal Institute Launches Wrth Community Craft Initiative Wrth, Roads General Authority Launch Highway Signage Initiative Short link : Post Views: 43 Related Stories
