Virtual meeting of the Theatre Authority on traditional performing arts

The Theater and Performing Arts Authority has extended a public invitation to practitioners, those interested in cultural heritage, and the general public to attend its open virtual meeting entitled “Traditional Performing Arts.” This meeting aims to create a comprehensive dialogue to introduce this vital sector and discuss ways to develop it to ensure its sustainability as an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s national heritage.

Strengthening cultural identity in light of Vision 2030

This cultural initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Cultural Strategy, stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on preserving intangible heritage. Through these meetings, the Authority aims to bridge the gap between regulatory bodies and practitioners in the field, emphasizing that folk arts are not merely folkloric practices, but rather a fundamental pillar of national identity that must be documented and presented to the world according to high professional standards.

Meeting topics: From establishment to global reach

The meeting is scheduled to address a number of key themes that will chart a roadmap for the future of traditional arts in the Kingdom, including:

• Local and international participation: Reviewing the efforts made to represent the Kingdom in international forums, and how to present Saudi arts in a manner befitting the Kingdom’s status and reflecting its rich cultural diversity.
• The Traditional Performing Arts Ensemble Project: Highlighting the ambitious project to establish and operate a specialized national ensemble, a qualitative project aimed at institutionalizing heritage artistic work, and ensuring the transfer of expertise from the pioneering generation to the younger generation, thus contributing to preserving these arts from extinction.

The importance of performing arts as a soft power

Traditional performing arts, in their diverse forms of dance, song, and movement, are a mirror reflecting the history and geographical diversity of Saudi society. Institutional attention to these arts is a necessary step to transform this cultural heritage into a sustainable creative product that contributes to the creative economy and enhances the Kingdom's presence on the UNESCO World Heritage list and other international organizations.

Meeting date and participation mechanisms

The Authority has scheduled this virtual meeting for December 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM via the “WEX” platform. The meeting will provide participants with an opportunity to hear a detailed explanation of future plans, as well as to ask questions and offer suggestions, thus reinforcing the principles of transparency and participation that the Authority adopts in managing the cultural sector.