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: wrth.edu.sa. 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 heritage. Wirth is also offering a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in movement performance design. The programs range in duration from one to two academic years and will be delivered in-person at Wirth's headquarters in Riyadh, tuition-free. They 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 driver. This academic expansion reinforces Wirth's role as a national leader in preserving and promoting Saudi identity and traditional crafts, both locally and globally. The institute encourages interested applicants to register and explore program details, with classes set to begin at the start of the upcoming academic year.
