RIYADH —The Saudi Ministry of Culture announced the appointment of Douglas Gauthier as CEO of the Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park in Riyadh. Gauthier will manage and operate the complex and develop its cultural programs, drawing on his extensive experience in managing cultural assets worldwide. His appointment coincides with the ongoing implementation of the Royal Arts Complex, located in King Salman Park in the heart of Riyadh. "I am honored to join the Royal Arts Complex at this important stage in Saudi Arabia's cultural development. This project represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a global cultural dialogue that celebrates Saudi heritage and international artistic achievements. I look forward to working with an elite group of artists, curators, and cultural leaders from the Kingdom and around the world to realize this ambitious vision." Douglas Gauthier said. Spanning over 500,000 square meters, the complex will be a vibrant cultural edifice that embraces creativity, brings together diverse artistic voices, fosters cultural dialogue, and offers exceptional experiences within a dynamic environment that reflects the aspirations of the cultural sector for various forms of art, attracting audiences from within and outside Saudi Arabia. Gauthier has over four decades of experience in managing cultural institutions, having led projects that have contributed to the development of the global arts scene throughout his career in Asia and Australia. He was the CEO and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Center for the Arts in Australia, where he founded the Oz Asia Festival, which is now a leading platform for cultural exchange between Australia and Asia. He is known for his passion for expanding the scope of the arts by fostering international partnerships to support the global cultural movement and has served as President of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centers (AAPPAC) since 2013. The Royal Arts Complex is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, playing a pivotal role in developing the arts scene, supporting the creative economy, creating new opportunities for artists and those interested in culture, and contributing to building an integrated and globally connected cultural system.
