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Saudi Visual Arts Commission Releases 'Public Art: A Comprehensive Reference and Guiding Principles'

The Saudi Visual Arts Commission logo
The Saudi Visual Arts Commission logo
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Saudi Visual Arts Commission Releases 'Public Art: A Comprehensive Reference and Guiding Principles'

The Saudi Visual Arts Commission logo
The Saudi Visual Arts Commission logo

The Saudi Visual Arts Commission has announced the launch of Public Art: A Comprehensive Reference and Guiding Principles, available in both quick and full editions.

The initiative aims to elevate public art practices and enhance the quality of artistic projects within urban spaces through a practical and knowledge-based framework informed by leading international principles and best practices in the field.

The reference builds on the commission's ongoing efforts to develop the public art ecosystem as one of the vital tracks contributing to the enrichment of the visual landscape, the enhancement of quality of life, and the embedding of visual arts in the everyday life of society, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a supportive environment for creativity and contemporary artistic practices, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to foster cultural development and enhance quality of life.

It also provides knowledge-based and practical content tailored to a wide range of entities, practitioners, and interested audiences, covering key guidelines and best practices related to the planning, implementation, and management of public art projects.

The reference aims to raise awareness of the field, unify concepts associated with public art, and strengthen integration across artistic, urban, and cultural dimensions.

The reference is available in both editions through the Visual Arts Commission website, as part of the commission's continued efforts to broaden access to specialized knowledge, advance professional practices, and support the growth of the visual arts sector in Saudi Arabia.

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Culture

Lebanon Returns 37 Artifacts Smuggled Out of Egypt

An artifact dating back to the Egyptian Pharaonic civilization, illegally smuggled out of Egypt, is displayed during a ceremony marking its handover to Egypt at the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, 16 September 2026. (EPA)
An artifact dating back to the Egyptian Pharaonic civilization, illegally smuggled out of Egypt, is displayed during a ceremony marking its handover to Egypt at the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, 16 September 2026. (EPA)
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Lebanon Returns 37 Artifacts Smuggled Out of Egypt

An artifact dating back to the Egyptian Pharaonic civilization, illegally smuggled out of Egypt, is displayed during a ceremony marking its handover to Egypt at the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, 16 September 2026. (EPA)
An artifact dating back to the Egyptian Pharaonic civilization, illegally smuggled out of Egypt, is displayed during a ceremony marking its handover to Egypt at the Lebanese National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon, 16 September 2026. (EPA)

Lebanon on Wednesday returned to Egypt dozens of pharaonic artifacts that had been seized from the Beirut port years earlier.

"Thirty-seven antiquities... were seized from Beirut port in 2020, having arrived from an Arab port," Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh said during a handover ceremony at the Beirut national museum.

"After investigating the identity and ownership of these items, it was determined that they belonged to Egypt," he added.

Five of the items were on display at the ceremony, including masks made of fabric, wood and clay.

"Cooperation between states... contributes to preserving humanity's heritage," Egyptian ambassador Alaa Moussa said at the ceremony.

Laura Salloum, an official with Lebanon's directorate of antiquities, told AFP that at the time of their seizure, the items were stored in a single container.

They "had been purchased by a Lebanese national without any official documentation regarding their source -- namely, Egypt," she said.

Antiquities smuggling is common in Egypt. Over the past decade, Cairo has recovered nearly 30,000 archaeological artifacts, according to officials.

Culture

Cultural Sector Participates in UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI in Riyadh

The cultural sector's participation in the forum underscores the Ministry of Culture's interest in technological developments - SPA
The cultural sector's participation in the forum underscores the Ministry of Culture's interest in technological developments - SPA
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Cultural Sector Participates in UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI in Riyadh

The cultural sector's participation in the forum underscores the Ministry of Culture's interest in technological developments - SPA
The cultural sector's participation in the forum underscores the Ministry of Culture's interest in technological developments - SPA

The cultural sector is participating in the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Riyadh, taking part in panel discussions and workshops.

These sessions address cultural and linguistic diversity in AI, the ethical use of AI in museums, and the future of work in the field in the age of AI and digital technologies, SPA reported.

The forum brings together more than 100 international speakers and experts to discuss responsible governance frameworks and the ethical and safe development of emerging technologies, with a focus on issues including digital diplomacy, government readiness assessment, privacy, and the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity.

The cultural sector's participation in the forum underscores the Ministry of Culture's interest in technological developments, support for cultural innovation, and efforts to highlight AI-related cultural initiatives, products, and services.

It also provides a broad platform for exchanging expertise and experience with leading local and international experts and specialists.

Culture

Ithra Unveils 96th Saudi National Day Celebrations

The festival features a curated selection of Saudi films - SPA
The festival features a curated selection of Saudi films - SPA
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Ithra Unveils 96th Saudi National Day Celebrations

The festival features a curated selection of Saudi films - SPA
The festival features a curated selection of Saudi films - SPA

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will celebrate the 96th Saudi National Day with a five-day program of diverse cultural events running from September 22 to 26, inviting local and international visitors to explore the Kingdom's origins and future ambitions.

This year's National Day program centers on the theme "Glory Through Our People," exploring the evolution of culture and the blend of heritage and modernity.⁠‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​⁠ The celebrations kick off with a grand military parade, followed by a full program featuring 36 curated and distinct experiences designed to engage visitors, SPA reported.

​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌The event includes an examination of the unique architectural languages of the Kingdom's various regions in the "Inspired by Our Roots" workshop and also include "Saudi Calligraphy Art" sessions, where guests are invited to engage with the aesthetic power of Arabic script.

For those seeking immersive programs, Ithra is also integrating technology with "Pride Salute," a motion-sensing experience that translates military ceremonial movements into digital art, and a sonic experiment "Who Leads the Rhythm," that blends traditional Saudi instruments with contemporary electronic sounds to create innovative sounds.

The festival features a curated selection of Saudi films including ​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌"The Destination," a documentary film that showcases the Kingdom's transformative progress under Saudi Vision 2030, to new experimental films like Marjouj and Irtizaz.

At the Ithra museum, visitors can tour "Bedayat:⁠‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​⁠ The Beginning of the Saudi Art Movement," an exhibition tracing the evolution of the national art scene from the 1960s to the 1980s. The exhibition, which features some of the most renowned early Saudi artists, also includes archival materials and examines how Saudi art has transformed over the decades.

The celebrations include an open-air concert in Ithra's Lush Garden featuring live musical performances alongside traditional folk ensembles. The program showcases the diverse sounds of the rhythmic folk dances of the West and South: the Majrour of Taif, the Khabiti, the Khatwa of the South, and the Rayeh of Bisha, as well as​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​⁠ a traditional sword dance, the Ardah, and the Samri, a poetic, melodious performance.

Ithra, an initiative by Aramco, is a leading cultural destination in Dhahran. The center focuses on enriching people's lives by offering impactful cultural and creative programs and initiatives.