SEVERAL artists including photographers, designers, painters and plastic artists have called on the Society of Culture and Arts to do more to nurture talented young men and women in these fields. The artists, interviewed by Al-Riyadh daily, said more support and training is needed so artists can develop and display their talents through professional displays, shows, and competitions. Jewelry designer Hanadi Kurdi said she took several crash courses and learned the basics of jewelry design on her own. She dreams of one day launching her own jewelry brand and a chain of stores. "I majored in something different in college that has nothing to do with jewelry design. Even my job does not involve any design work. I am an amateur who started buying precious stones five years ago and made jewelry pieces out of them," she said. Haifa Kurdi is a plastic artist who got her start in the art world at the age of 10 thanks to her father who is a professional painter. Over time, she developed her skills and today expertly combines plastic art with painting. Her dream is one day to showcase her art in galleries all over the world. Financial and moral support Photographer Hesa Al-Ruzaiq started as an amateur and while she has improved her skills, her dream of becoming a professional photographer is still elusive. "My love for photography does not make me think about money as much as getting some practical experience does. Talented photographers like me need moral and financial support," she said. Al-Ruzaiq called on the General Presidency of Youth Welfare to support talented female artists as the Society of Culture and Arts has failed to invest in the talents of young artists. "Most members of the public do not have any appreciation for photography because they think that it is an easy job because apparently all one has to do is to hold a camera and take pictures! That is why photographers are underpaid and underappreciated," she said. Specialized programs Azizah Al-Qarni, a certified photographer-trainer by the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) and the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), agreed with Al-Ruzaiq and said talented women deserve full support, including training and development of skills. She called on the concerned authorities to start initiatives and programs toward this goal. "We should nurture and support all talents whether it is in photography, calligraphy, drawing, plastic art, fashion design, cooking, etc. Providing support programs will help youth develop their skills and do something constructive with their time," she said while adding civil institutions should also offer financial support to the talented. "It would be a big mistake to ignore the talented and let their talents go to waste." Agreeing that artists need more support, artist Abdulatheem Al-Dhamin urged all talented men and women in the country to not lose hope and continue pursuing their talents. "Be patient and work hard to accomplish your goals. My doors are always open to the talented. I will do everything I can to help budding creative types reach their goals," he said while suggesting every major city in the Kingdom should have a cultural center that supports budding artists.
