Museums Authority and Centre Pompidou: A partnership to promote contemporary art
In a move reflecting the rapid development of the cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Museums Authority a strategic executive program with the National Centre for Art and Culture (Centre de l'Art & Culture - Georges Pompidou) in France. This agreement aims to strengthen frameworks for joint cooperation and develop sustainable partnerships in the fields of modern and contemporary art, opening new horizons for knowledge and artistic exchange between the two countries.
Executive Program Details and Areas of Cooperation
took place at the Diriyah Center for Future Arts in the capital, Riyadh, where the program focuses on three main tracks that ensure a deep cultural exchange:
- Art Loan: The Centre Pompidou, one of the world’s leading art institutions, will loan a selection of high-quality modern and contemporary artworks for display in the Authority’s museums.
- Organizing joint exhibitions: Working to coordinate and organize specialized art exhibitions that reflect the latest trends in contemporary art.
- Knowledge and research exchange: Promoting cooperation in the fields of scientific research, editorial content, and publications, in addition to organizing public cultural events that enrich the local scene.
Diriyah Center for Future Arts: A Platform for Innovation
The choice of venue for the signing was no coincidence; the Diriyah Center for Future Arts the first center in the Middle East and North Africa region specializing in new media arts. The center serves as an incubator for digital creativity and a platform for international dialogue, making its hosting of this event a testament to its pivotal role in leading artistic innovation in the region and an embodiment of the Ministry of Culture's vision of integrating tradition with technological modernity.
The depth of Saudi-French cultural relations
This agreement builds upon a long history of cultural and diplomatic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France. Relations between the two countries have transcended political and economic frameworks to encompass significant cultural partnerships, most notably collaboration on the development of Al-Ula Governorate and reciprocal participation in international festivals. This program with Pompidou is a further step in this collaborative effort, underscoring France's position as a strategic partner in the Kingdom's ongoing cultural transformation.
Expected impact and objectives of Vision 2030
This cultural initiative aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which places particular emphasis on the museums and arts sector as a key component of quality of life and economic diversification. This collaboration is expected to contribute to:
- Raising the efficiency of national cadres through exposure to global expertise at the Pompidou Centre.
- Enhancing the infrastructure of museums in the Kingdom to international standards.
- To consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global cultural destination capable of hosting and organizing major art exhibitions.
This institutional alliance is not only beneficial in showcasing artworks, but it also establishes a sustainable cultural dialogue that places the Kingdom at the forefront of countries sponsoring arts and cultural innovation.
