The Saudi Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, known as Wrth, has announced the launch of an ambitious new initiative with the United Kingdom named “A Shared Heritage Of Two Kingdoms”. This initiative, launched in Riyadh, aims to highlight the unifying power of art in bridging cultures and fostering connections among people. This is part of the broader ‘GREAT FUTURES’ campaign occurring on the 14th and 15th of May 2024 in Riyadh, which seeks to showcase the extensive opportunities available for UK businesses in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative kicked off with several activities and workshops in the King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, involving artists from both countries. These workshops focused on traditional crafts including the woodworking of Najdi doors and Sadu weaving.
Following Riyadh, the campaign will continue in London at the Victoria & Albert Museum on Thursday 16th May. Here, the focus will be on the craftsmanship involved in creating traditional Saudi doors, aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and increased artistic collaboration. The initiative will wrap up at the Wrth headquarters in Riyadh on 18th May, with a workshop led by British artist Harriet Frances on jewellery embroidery. This session will provide local artists with insights into diverse cultural traditions.
The “Two Kingdoms” initiative aligns with World Cultural Diversity Day on 21st May, supporting Wrth’s objective to uphold traditional arts globally and empower the artists dedicated to these crafts.
For more than three decades, Wrth has been instrumental in championing Saudi Arabia’s distinct cultural heritage through education, exhibitions, and international exchange initiatives. The institute plays a crucial role in promoting traditional arts on a global scale, highlighting the common values that unite people across different languages, cultures, and customs.
Wrth is dedicated to authentically representing Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, fostering emerging local talent, and supporting those interested in learning and developing traditional arts.
