Saudi Culture Minister concludes productive visit to Italy

Saudi Gazette report

VENICE — Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, concluded his official visit to Italy, where he met with several Italian cultural leaders to discuss enhancing cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the Mediterranean country. The minister also visited the Saudi national pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale of Arts and the exhibition “Journeys in Land Art, Towards Wadi AlFann, AlUla”.

During his visit, Prince Badr met with his Italian counterpart, Gennaro Sangiuliano, and discussed cooperation and cultural exchange under the cultural memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries. They also reviewed the most important cultural initiatives and projects carried out between them in 2023 in various cultural fields, such as heritage, fashion, music, museums, architecture, design, and visual arts.

Additionally, Prince Badr visited the Saudi pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale of Arts in the Arsenale area, which features an artwork titled “Shifting Sands: A Battle Song” by Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan. This work highlights the evolving role of Saudi women in public life and their ongoing journey to redefine both their physical space and the narratives that have historically defined their roles.

The Venice Biennale of Arts, where the Saudi pavilion is currently located, will continue until November 24. The Ministry of Culture’s participation extends its active presence in this creative art exhibition since 2021, under the supervision of the Visual Arts Authority, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s strategic goal of fostering international cultural exchange as outlined in Vision 2030.