Launch of the Culture and Arts Guide in the Urban Landscape to Enhance Quality of Life
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the quality of life and humanizing Saudi cities, the Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, launched the “Guide to Culture and Arts in the Urban Landscape.” This launch, which took place on Monday at the Diriyah Center for Future Arts, represents the culmination of close collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, with the goal of transforming public spaces into creative destinations that reflect national identity.
Strategic partnership to enhance urban identity
The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez and Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani. In his address, delivered on behalf of His Highness the Minister, the Deputy Minister of Culture emphasized that this guide is not merely a document, but a roadmap for charting a practical course for cultural activities in public spaces. He noted that Saudi cities possess a rich history, and that public spaces have an inherent essence that can be transformed through the arts into vibrant experiences that foster a strong connection between people and their surroundings, thus transforming the place into a "story and a creative space.".
Humanizing cities and Vision 2030
This guide is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to enhance the urban environment in Saudi cities. In this context, the Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing explained that the Vision introduced a comprehensive concept of the city that balances function and aesthetics. He added that the Ministry has worked to redefine urban planning to prioritize people, ensuring that public spaces are not viewed as neglected areas, but rather as opportunities for social interaction and a sense of belonging.
This event is particularly significant given the urban development boom the Kingdom is witnessing, as integrating the arts into urban planning is a globally recognized practice that has proven successful in enhancing the mental well-being of residents, attracting tourism, and creating a distinctive visual identity for cities. This guide is expected to contribute to unifying efforts between municipalities, real estate developers, and artists to ensure that urban projects emerge with an authentic cultural character.
A practical methodology for implementation and sustainability
The guide doesn't just present theories; it offers a detailed, practical approach to implementing cultural interventions. It begins with understanding the local community and the nature of the place, moves through selecting the appropriate art form, and culminates in implementation and impact measurement. The guide targets a wide range of stakeholders, including municipalities, development authorities, and major projects, enabling them to integrate culture into parks, squares, streets, and city entrances.
The guide has been made available on a dedicated digital platform on the Ministry of Culture's website in both Arabic and English, supported by examples of global and local best practices. This step follows a series of successful pilot projects in collaboration with entities such as the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Madinah Municipality, confirming the guide's applicability and flexibility in addressing the unique characteristics and cultural diversity of each Saudi city.
