Royal Institute of Traditional Arts Celebrates 2025 as Year of Handicrafts
The Cabinet chaired by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, approved on Tuesday the designation of the year 2025 as the "Year of Handicrafts" in celebration of the unique cultural value that handicrafts represent and their significance in strengthening the national economy, empowering artisans, and increasing job opportunities for practitioners and enthusiasts.
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is playing a vital role in highlighting national identity, enriching the presence of Saudi handicrafts, and celebrating them as a key pillar of its strategic goals. The institute focuses on developing the skills and talents of passionate and creative national artists in the fields of traditional arts and cultural heritage. It also promotes entrepreneurship in various specialized areas, acknowledging the importance and impact of these crafts on individuals and society.
The institute enhances the presence of handicrafts by offering specialized and academic educational programs aimed at teaching and training these arts. It continues to preserve and safeguard their cultural elements through research and documentation, such as Sadu weaving (traditional textile weaving), Al-Qatt Al-Asiri (traditional wall decoration), and Arabic calligraphy, all of which are listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Additionally, it supports other arts and handicrafts like Hasawi Bisht making, woodworking, metalworking, and traditional pottery, enabling enthusiasts of the Kingdom's arts and culture to explore and witness the beauty of handicrafts both locally and internationally.
The Royal Institute of the Traditional Arts is the leading institution dedicated to preserving and promoting our creative national identity. Through education and preservation, we inspire future generations to acquire and refine these skills, ensuring our creative legacy remains vibrant and celebrated. We invite practitioners, students, and global audiences to engage deeply with these crafts, fostering a dynamic creative future for all.
