AlUla Summit to Discuss Future of Global Culture Next Week

“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)
“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)
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AlUla Summit to Discuss Future of Global Culture Next Week

“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)
“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27. (SPA)

“AlUla Future Culture Summit” (FCS) will witness the participation of approximately 150 leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world during February 25 to 27, SPA said on Sunday.
The FCS aims to address key issues in the cultural sector and explore ways to strengthen it as a catalyst for social progress and positive transformation in the future.
The FCS, organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, comprises a range of discussions, workshops, and interactive presentations. Its objective is to explore innovative approaches to fostering widespread involvement and making a significant impact through art, culture, and related industries.
The FCS program comprises three primary sessions. The initial session, referred to as "The Rich Foundation," is designed to promote innovation and rejuvenation in culture. Its goal is to delve into the essence and requirements of culture, establishing a harmonious connection with the environment.
The second session, titled "The Creative Land," aims to facilitate the shift towards global creativity and cross-cultural dialogue. This session will explore cultural economic development policies, and provide support for creative entrepreneurship. The last session, named "Harvest of Impact," will focus on fostering comprehensive culture and community empowerment, examining global cultural production and its influence on local cultures.
In addition to exploring the natural and cultural beauty of AlUla, participants in this cultural event will also have the opportunity to enjoy various artistic performances. The lineup includes renowned Saudi artist Balqees Alrashed, the Spanish theater group La Fura dels Baus, and the talented Nigerian-British poet and writer Inua Ellams.



Pharrell Advocates for Reviving Arts Competitions for 2028 Olympics at Louis Vuitton Event 

Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)
Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)
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Pharrell Advocates for Reviving Arts Competitions for 2028 Olympics at Louis Vuitton Event 

Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)
Pharrell Williams upon arrival at the Louis Vuitton Foundation on the eve of Paris Olympics opening ceremony, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)

If given the chance, Pharrell Williams would reintroduce arts competition into the Olympics, reviving a tradition that's been missing for nearly 80 years.

Williams is aiming to reinstate arts competitions back on the world's biggest sports stage, starting with raising awareness through his star-studded Louis Vuitton event Thursday in Paris. He passionately shared his goal to see the tradition revived by the Olympics in 2028 the night before the Games’ opening ceremony.

“We get to remind people that at one point, the Olympics actually had the arts as a section that ran all these competitions,” Williams before the event. “Sculpture, architecture, visual arts. The idea we get to put the arts back in. ... Why not take this moment to bring awareness?”

Art competitions first came into fruition at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm with medals awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. However, the International Olympic Committee ended the competitions in the 1948 games. An attempt to bring it back was denied four years later.

Williams, the musician-turned-designer, hosted the ritzy A-list event at the Louis Vuitton Foundation building. Attendees included popular figures such as LeBron James, Steven Spielberg, Mick Jagger, Zendaya, Anna Wintour, Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Rosalía, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah and Zac Efron.

Williams called the inside of the event like an “indoor carnival.” He curated a select group of world-renowned artists including KAWS, Daniel Arsham and Derek Fordjour to design interactive art installations.

Some of the sports represented at the event included archery, tennis, basketball and equestrianism along with carnival games. “The game will begin on the inside tonight,” he said.

Through donations, Williams said he wanted the event to support Olympic hopefuls as well as 36 athletes across 11 different countries who are competing on the Refugee Olympic Team this year.

“We get to raise money for the other athletes who don't have the means to get the gear or proper training equipment,” said Williams, who added that he spoke about creating music for the games with Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC.

The famed producer said he recorded a track called “Triumph is Cosmos.”

“This is like the victory lap around the solar system,” he said.