Culture and Founding Spirit Forum: Celebrating Saudi Identity
Celebrating national identity, the "Culture is the Memory of a Nation" forum brings together art and thought on the anniversary of the founding of the nation
The King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, in strategic partnership with the Saudi Society for Fine Arts (JASFT), is organizing a forum entitled “Culture: The Memory of a Nation and the Spirit of its Founding,” to be held on Tuesday evening, in the presence of the Center’s Secretary-General, Dr. Abdullah Al-Fawzan. This forum is part of the national celebrations of the Kingdom’s founding day and aims to highlight the pivotal role of culture and the arts in shaping national consciousness and preserving the rich historical heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Historical background: Founding day and its deep roots
Saudis celebrate National Day on February 22nd each year, commemorating the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. This day represents a national occasion to remember the Kingdom's deep historical roots and its rich cultural heritage spanning three centuries. The celebration aims to strengthen the connection of current generations to their ancestors' history and to instill pride in the unity and stability established by the Saudi state since its inception, through its various phases, culminating in the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we live in today.
The importance of the forum in promoting national identity
The “Culture: A Nation’s Memory and Founding Spirit” forum seeks to emphasize that culture is not merely arts and literature, but rather the living memory of a nation and the vessel that preserves its identity and values. By highlighting the arts as an effective tool for preserving and transmitting national identity across generations, the forum aims to encourage creators and intellectuals to express their national belonging. It also aims to support the role of cultural institutions in instilling values of pride in the nation and its glorious history, which aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places great importance on the cultural sector as a pillar of sustainable development and a source of the Kingdom’s soft power on the international stage.
The forum's activities and a selection of speakers
The forum's program includes a rich dialogue session featuring a distinguished group of academics and specialists, including Dr. Hanaa Al-Shibli, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Society for Fine Arts (JASFT), and Dr. Saud Al-Musaibih, Head of the Ta'aruf Center for Family Counseling. The session will be moderated by Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Sulaiman, Supervisor of the National Center for Public Opinion Polls. The speakers will discuss the various dimensions of culture in building national awareness and strengthening the spirit of the nation's foundations within society. In addition to the dialogue session, an art exhibition and live drawing demonstration will be held, showcasing artworks that reflect Saudi national identity and draw inspiration from the Kingdom's authentic values, thus providing a comprehensive cultural experience for attendees.
The local and regional impact of cultural events
Locally, such gatherings contribute to creating a positive cultural movement and encouraging dialogue among different segments of society on national issues. Regionally and internationally, these events reflect the civilized image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highlight its commitment to its heritage and culture as part of its soft power. Showcasing the Kingdom's historical and cultural depth helps to correct stereotypes and present an authentic national narrative to the world, portraying the Kingdom as a nation with a rich history and an ambitious vision for the future.
