Arab Culture Ministers Conference Focuses on Cultural Industries, Digital Transformation

People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
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Arab Culture Ministers Conference Focuses on Cultural Industries, Digital Transformation

People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
People watch the sunset at the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara desert outside Merzouga, Morocco December 7, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

The 24th session of the Conference of Ministers Responsible for Cultural Affairs in the Arab World convened in Rabat on Wednesday under the theme Cultural and Creative Industries: Challenges of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence.

The event brought together culture ministers from across the Arab world, alongside representatives from regional and international organizations.
The conference’s agenda included presenting a forward-looking plan for developing cultural industries in Arab nations, reviewing and adopting the recommendations of the Permanent Committee for Arab Culture, and discussing arrangements for the 25th session of the conference.
The opening session emphasized the Arab world's rich cultural and creative resources and the necessity of leveraging these assets to drive economic development. Discussions also focused on embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence to modernize cultural industries and enhance global competitiveness.
Participants highlighted the importance of adopting global best practices in cultural and creative industries to foster innovation and economic growth while preserving and promoting Arab cultural heritage.
The conference is expected to produce actionable strategies to position Arab culture as a cornerstone of sustainable development and global cultural exchange.



Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition

The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts 'Manga Hokusai Manga' Exhibition

The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai - SPA

In the presence of Japan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) at Jax District inaugurated on Wednesday the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, will run until February 8, 2025.
This international exhibition, which has been on tour since 2016, is presented for the first time in an Arab country. Driven by its commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and dialogue, SAMoCA is hosting the exhibition at a significant time, as 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, SPA reported.
The exhibition presents the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, a key figure in traditional Japanese art. It highlights his collection called Hokusai Manga, first published in 1814. With more than 4,000 sketches across 15 volumes, the collection depicts various aspects of daily life, landscapes, and whimsical creatures, signalling a new era in Japanese illustration art.
Hokusai's works became popular during the Edo period (1603–1868), and his volumes were published until 1834. Even after his passing in 1849, his work continued inspiring artists in Japan and globally, shaping modern manga art.
The exhibition aims to showcase the history and development of manga, highlighting how Hokusai's classical illustrations have impacted modern visual arts. It offers visitors a journey through the evolution of this art form, from its classical origins to its modern and innovative expressions.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is the first contemporary art museum in Saudi Arabia. It plays a significant role in the nation's cultural renaissance under Vision 2030, serving as a platform for local and international artists to exchange, connect, and grow, shaping the future of contemporary art in the Kingdom and beyond.
Tickets for the exhibition are available through WeBook.