Riyadh Art and Wrth Sign MoU to Advance Cultural and Creative Cooperation

Riyadh Art Program, overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) to advance cooperation in cultural and creative fields and develop joint initiatives that bring contemporary and traditional arts together in support of their shared objectives and to enhance their cultural impact.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Riyadh Art by RCRC Executive Vice President of the Lifestyle Sector Eng. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hazzani, while the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) was represented by its CEO, Dr. Suzan bint Mohammed Al-Yahya.

RCRC Senior Director of Public Art Omar Al-Braik said the cooperation reflects Riyadh Art’s commitment to building effective partnerships with national cultural institutions, strengthening engagement between contemporary and traditional arts, and creating new opportunities for creative initiatives that enrich Riyadh’s cultural ecosystem and bring art into the daily lives of residents and visitors.

The agreement covers the development of joint creative initiatives that bring contemporary and traditional arts together through knowledge exchange, artist residency programs, and seasonal events. It also provides for joint efforts to showcase the projects and programs of both parties at relevant international forums and events.

Areas of cooperation include community engagement programs such as workshops, panel discussions, professional courses, and digital learning, as well as joint media promotion and the development of artworks and products inspired by traditional arts and aligned with the Riyadh Art identity.

Under the partnership, Wrth will contribute its specialized academic and artistic expertise in traditional arts to the design and delivery of hands-on training workshops and interactive activities for practitioners and members of the public across Riyadh Art platforms and events. The Institute will also contribute to the development of traditional and digital educational content for joint initiatives.

Riyadh Art is one of Riyadh’s megaprojects and seeks to integrate art into the capital’s urban fabric, making it accessible to residents and visitors across public spaces. Its initiatives include permanent public artworks, the Noor Riyadh festival, Tuwaiq Sculpture, and a wide range of cultural and community programs.

Established in 2021, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) is a specialized cultural institution dedicated to developing national talent in the learning and practice of traditional arts. Its work focuses on empowering practitioners, supporting the development of the arts and crafts sector, and contributing to the preservation and sustainability of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.