Non-profit cultural sector forum: The future of culture in Saudi Arabia
Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, the Non-Profit Cultural Sector Forum, organized by the Ministry of Culture, commenced today (Wednesday, April 15) at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh. The event was graced by the presence of several prominent princes, including Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Prince Saud bin Sultan bin Abdullah, Princess Noura bint Mohammed bin Abdullah, Princess Lamia bint Majid bin Saud, Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Princess Adhwa bint Yazid bin Abdullah, and Princess Luluah bint Nawaf bin Mohammed. Also in attendance were His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Culture, Mr. Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, the CEO of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk Al-Khairiya,” Dr. Badr bin Hamoud Al-Badr, and a number of cultural and social figures.
The historical roots of the launch of the non-profit cultural sector forum
The organization of this event is an extension of the historic transformations that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed since the launch of Vision 2030. Since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture as an independent entity in 2018, the Kingdom has undertaken the task of revitalizing its national heritage and enhancing Saudi Arabia's cultural presence. This transformation has marked a true starting point for the establishment of a third, non-profit sector that supports governmental and private efforts and contributes to transforming culture into a way of life and a fundamental element of economic and social growth.
Dialogue sessions that shape the features of tomorrow
The first day featured eight dialogue sessions with a group of local and international experts and specialists, discussing several strategic themes that explored the current state of the sector and its role in shaping the future in light of modern trends. The sessions also focused on the role of culture as a soft power, the importance of empowering non-profit cultural organizations to build a sustainable cultural and economic impact, and reviewed models of cultural cooperatives and the role of social responsibility in developing the sector.
Strategic dimensions and overall impact
The significance of this event extends far beyond the local level, encompassing broad regional and international dimensions. Locally, the forum empowers Saudi youth and creative talent by providing sustainable platforms for skills development, thereby creating new job opportunities and bolstering the creative economy. Regionally, the event solidifies Riyadh's position as a capital of culture and the arts in the Middle East, capable of attracting leading talent and initiatives. Internationally, the forum enhances the Kingdom's soft power, opening up vast horizons for cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue with diverse peoples around the world.
Interactive initiatives and strategic partnerships
Over two consecutive days, the forum will feature a number of interactive pavilions and initiatives, including the “Knowledge Lab,” which offers specialized practical workshops on governance, sustainability, and impact measurement; “Advice Sessions,” which provide one-on-one mentoring sessions with experts; “360 Encounters,” designed to enhance networking; the “Inspiration Platform,” showcasing inspiring experiences; and the “Empowerment Portal,” which introduces support programs. The forum will also witness the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between various government entities and non-profit organizations to strengthen partnerships and support sustainability initiatives.
Building a sustainable cultural future
The forum highlights the rich opportunities offered by the sector, which has experienced a significant revival since the Ministry of Culture launched its strategy. This strategy included several key initiatives, most notably the establishment of 16 professional associations since 2021, the classification and accreditation of organizations for support, and the launch of a performance-based support program to ensure impact and bridge gaps in the cultural value chain.
Through these efforts, the Ministry of Culture aims to achieve integration among the various parties of the system, localize knowledge, and raise awareness of the sector’s services, in continuation of efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Culture Strategy under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, in a way that contributes to supporting the growth of the sector and expanding its societal impact.
