Latest news with #YearOfHandicrafts


Arab News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Cultural Week concludes at Osaka Expo
TOKYO: The Saudi Ministry of Culture hosted the Saudi Cultural Week in Osaka from July 12 to 15 at the Osaka Expo's Gallery EAST to celebrate Saudi culture and the cultural intersections between Japan and Saudi Arabia. The event was held in honor of the Kingdom's designation of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts and highlighted artistic exchange between the two countries. It offered a diverse program of exhibitions, performances and interactive showcases that invited visitors to explore the Kingdom's cultural heritage and learn about the traditions shared by both nations. It was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture with the participation of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, the Saudi Artisanal Company, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives. Visitors were welcomed into the Saudi Heritage Majlis, where they experienced traditional Saudi hospitality and viewed side-by-side presentations of cultural garments, including a Saudi bisht and a Japanese kimono. Live performances by a Saudi oud musician and a Japanese shamisen musician symbolized the harmony between the two cultures. The program also featured collaborative demonstrations with Saudi and Japanese artisans presenting crafts together, including Al-Sadu weaving and Japanese tapestry, Khous making and bamboo crafting, and pottery from both traditions. Visitors participated in hands-on workshops led by craftspeople and students, highlighting the event's emphasis on cultural exchange and shared learning. A photographic exhibition curated by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives chronicled the history of Saudi Japanese relations over the past seven decades.


Arab News
15-07-2025
- General
- Arab News
Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts
RIYADH: The 'Arts Telling Stories' exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation's culture and history through authentic handicrafts. The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several 'Year of Handicrafts' initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community. Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment. The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation. It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region's geography, the SPA reported. The exhibition reflects the ministry's efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.


Asharq Al-Awsat
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Ithra Unveils Cultural Events for Eid al-Adha
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran will host 31 cultural and artistic events to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The events will take place from June 7 to 9 and are tailored to engage all family members, combining entertainment, education, and cultural enrichment. Highlights of the program include 'Eid Stories' at the Ithra Library and 'Celebration in Every Tune,' a vibrant interactive show that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Islamic world through music and storytelling. The Ithra Museum will also feature exhibitions spotlighting traditional handicrafts, aligning with the national Year of Handicrafts initiative. Programs will also include interactive educational experiences, film screenings, and art installations reflecting local culture. Workshops for both children and adults will focus on various forms of giving.