Visual Arts and Founding Day: Strengthening Saudi National Identity
Visual art as a tool for consolidating national memory
In a move aimed at strengthening ties to the historical roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, in cooperation with the Saudi Society for Fine Arts (JASFT), organized a cultural forum entitled “Culture: The Memory of a Nation and the Spirit of its Founding.” This forum highlighted the pivotal role of the arts in embodying the values of national unity, preserving the rich Saudi heritage, and transmitting it to future generations, coinciding with the celebration of the Kingdom's founding day.
The forum, attended by the Secretary-General of the Center, Dr. Abdullah Al-Fawzan, featured a rich dialogue session moderated by Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Sulaiman. Participants included Dr. Hanaa Al-Shibli, President of the Jasfat Association, and Dr. Saud Al-Musaibih, Head of the Ta'aruf Center for Family Counseling. The participants unanimously agreed that the arts are not merely a form of entertainment, but a living expression of resilience, unity, and pride in the foundations upon which the Saudi state was built.
Historical background: The importance of Founding Day
The Founding Day, celebrated annually on February 22nd, commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. This national occasion represents a historical depth spanning three centuries, highlighting the authenticity and continuity of the Saudi state. This forum connects this historical depth with the bright present, affirming that culture and the arts are the vessels that preserve the nation's memory and inspire its future values. Celebrating this anniversary through cultural events deepens the awareness of new generations regarding their history and instills in them the values of loyalty and belonging.
The role of art in confronting cultural challenges
Dr. Hanaa Al-Shibli affirmed that the forum aims to enhance awareness of the values of the Kingdom's founding day as a civilizational continuation, noting that the artistic events encourage participants to creatively express their sense of belonging. For his part, Dr. Al-Musaibih explained that culture, language, and the arts have been, and continue to be, among the most important tools for building the Saudi identity and solidifying national belonging since the establishment of the first state. In light of globalization and digital transformation, the speakers emphasized the necessity of preserving cultural distinctiveness, considering that Saudi identity is experiencing its golden age by blending authenticity with ambition, which aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 that places culture and heritage at the heart of its priorities.
The impact of the forum and its future dimensions
The forum wasn't limited to theoretical discussions; its activities culminated in a specialized art exhibition and a live painting event, where visual artists presented paintings inspired by the Kingdom's values and reflecting the depth of its cultural identity. Such initiatives not only enrich the local art scene but also play a vital role in presenting a positive image of Saudi culture regionally and internationally. Attendees also emphasized the significant responsibility of families in confronting the challenges of globalization by instilling authentic Saudi values such as generosity and respect for elders in their children, thus building a generation rooted in its history and open to the world.
