Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan, minister of culture and chairman of the National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, is scheduled to inaugurate on Tuesday the events of the Saudi Cultural Exhibition at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) here, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Monday. The exhibition aims to boost global cultural exchange, protect and pass on the heritage (from the older generation to the younger), and develop the cultural environment. The holding of the exhibition coincides with the UNESCO Forum of Ministers of Culture, with the participation of a big number of ministers of culture worldwide. Saudi Arabia will be the only country that will organize an activity simultaneously with the Forum, which is deemed the main event to discuss the major status of culture in general policies all over the world and its effect on sustainable development. The exhibition is being organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Commission for AlUla and MiSK Art Institute, with the participation of 19 artists and 39 works of art, in the presence of many international artists. The events include contemporary works of art, showcasing art pieces, bronze sculptures, photographs, and a detailed description of the nonmaterial Saudi heritage; like Arabic coffee, and the art of falconry, among others. This is in addition to poetic intervals, live music and culinary arts. The exhibition will take visitors on a trip across time, beginning with the Kingdom's past, passing through its present and envisaging its future. The Royal Commission for AlUla will carry out the task of acquainting the visitors with the Kingdom's past culture and heritage. Meanwhile, MiSK Art Institute will shed light on the Kingdom's current arts, culture and heritage. Finally, the Ministry of Culture will present its future vision. In this regard, it will present a joint vision among Saudi Arabia, UNESCO and the international community from one perspective while reflecting its cultural strategy from the other. The exhibition will highlight the Kingdom's efforts in the cultural and knowledge initiatives that are in line with the international organization's role. This is at a time when Saudi ambassadors in Europe will be invited and each will nominate five important cultural institutions from each country. This is in addition to the French cultural institutions, the ambassadors of various countries in France and their delegates in UNESCO. The exhibition is an opportunity to shed light on the aspects of Saudi culture and arts, and to enable the visitors to get acquainted with the rich Saudi cultural heritage, apart from enhancing cultural awareness and honing creativity among the talented in the Kingdom. — SPA
