The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of six specialized research grants as part of the inaugural cycle of its Culture Research Grants Program.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic vision to strengthen scientific research in the cultural sector and advance the generation of cultural knowledge.
The grants reflect the cultural research priorities announced at the end of last year: culture in its context, cultural contact, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and quality of life, and cultural policies and regulations.
The grants are designed to empower researchers and practitioners to contribute to these priorities through high-quality studies that enrich academic knowledge and support the development of the cultural sector.
The Anthropological Studies Grant encourages anthropological research focused on the culture of the Arabian Peninsula, aiming to bridge academic gaps in the field, deepen scientific understanding of cultural elements and their social and economic contexts, preserve national memory, and provide a robust scientific foundation for cultural heritage documentation and policymaking.
The Saudi Arabia from a Global Perspective Grant invites studies that explore the connections between Saudi culture and global civilizations, highlighting the Kingdom’s and the Arabian Peninsula’s historical contributions to cultural development and transformation.
The Children’s Culture Grant addresses research gaps related to cultural production for children. Falling under the theme of diversity and inclusion, it aims to examine participation patterns and determinants, supporting efforts to ensure inclusive engagement across all segments of society.
The Rights of Creatives and Artists Grant promotes research into the challenges surrounding intellectual property rights for artists and creators. It aims to build an evidence base to support policymakers in protecting creative works, while identifying innovative ways to safeguard these rights amid rapid technological change.
The Creative Economy Grant, aligned with the priority of sustainability and quality of life, seeks to expand scientific knowledge on the contribution of the creative economy to sustainable development.
It encourages studies that assess the economic challenges facing cultural institutions and professionals and supports the development of sustainable business models for cultural industries. The Culture and Sustainability Grant supports research on the intersection of culture with environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
It aims to evaluate the effects of environmental challenges on the cultural sector and to empower cultural practitioners to adopt sustainable practices.
The Ministry’s announcement of these grants underscores its commitment to fostering scientific research, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing the body of cultural knowledge, and promoting innovation across the sector.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s broader research strategy, which aims to strengthen the relationship between cultural production and scientific inquiry at both regional and global levels, while creating a distinguished research environment that elevates the quality and impact of cultural studies.
