Ithra Revives Handicrafts with Global Participation

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) concluded the second edition of the Islamic Art Conference in Dhahran on November 26, 2024, bringing together local and international experts to safeguard traditional handicrafts under the theme “In Praise of the Artisan.” Hosted in collaboration with the Abdul Latif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, the two-day event drew participants from across the Islamic world and beyond, focusing on the preservation and revitalization of Islamic art and heritage. The conference, held at Ithra’s headquarters, featured dialogue sessions, exhibitions, and workshops that will continue until the end of November, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Can a craft passed down through generations survive the pressures of modern life? The conference’s central message was a resounding yes—if supported by deliberate strategy and global cooperation. Participants called for a comprehensive framework to sustain the handicrafts sector, particularly professions threatened with extinction amid regional crises. The event underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a convenor of cultural diplomacy, using its institutions to bridge local artisans with international expertise. The accompanying activities, including hands-on workshops and curated exhibitions, extend the conference’s impact beyond the formal sessions, offering the public a chance to engage directly with living heritage.

Context and Background

Why does the preservation of handicrafts matter in an age of mass production? For millennia, artisans across the Islamic world have been the custodians of techniques and designs that tell the story of civilizations. From intricate textiles to geometric woodwork, these crafts embody cultural identity and historical continuity. Yet globalization, conflict, and economic shifts have placed many of these traditions at risk. The Islamic Art Conference, now in its second edition, was conceived as a response to this challenge—a platform to celebrate artisans and forge practical solutions for their survival.

Ithra, established by Saudi Aramco in 2016, has become a flagship institution for cultural exchange under Saudi Vision 2030. Its collaboration with the Abdul Latif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, a Saudi initiative dedicated to advancing mosque design, signals a broader commitment to integrating heritage with contemporary discourse. The choice of theme, “In Praise of the Artisan,” placed the craftsman—not just the artifact—at the center of the conversation. This focus reflects a growing global recognition that cultural heritage is not static; it lives through the people who practice it. By hosting this conference, Saudi Arabia reinforced its position as a hub for Islamic art and a catalyst for international cultural dialogue.

What does it take to keep a dying craft alive? The conference sessions explored this question through case studies and testimonials from artisans themselves. Participants examined the role of education, market access, and policy support in sustaining craft economies. The presence of international organizations such as the UK-based Turquoise Mountain Foundation highlighted the global dimension of the effort. Together, these voices painted a picture of a sector at a crossroads—one that requires both local action and cross-border solidarity to thrive.

Key Details

What concrete steps emerged from the discussions? In his address, Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash, CEO of the Heritage Commission, described the conference as a transformative moment for the crafts sector. He stressed the need to shift perceptions, challenging stereotypes that associate handicrafts with extinction or confine them to older or lower-income groups. “Artisans have been integral to society for millennia, balancing their craft with cultural pursuits such as art and poetry,” he noted, highlighting the Kingdom’s significant efforts to preserve cultural heritage. His remarks underscored a key theme: artisans are not relics of the past but active contributors to contemporary culture and economy.

Shoshana Stewart, Executive Director of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, shared the organization’s global mission to support the future of handicrafts. She detailed initiatives in war-torn and crisis-affected regions, where the foundation provides a sustainable source of income for displaced families while preserving traditional crafts. Her presentation illustrated how craft revival can serve both cultural and humanitarian goals, offering dignity and livelihood to communities in distress. The conference also featured exhibitions showcasing works by artisans from Saudi Arabia and abroad, as well as workshops where participants could learn techniques firsthand. These activities, running until the end of November, aim to translate dialogue into tangible engagement.

How can a conference change the fate of a craft? By connecting artisans with policymakers, scholars, and markets, the event created a network of support that extends beyond the two-day program. The dialogue sessions produced recommendations for a comprehensive strategy, including calls for dedicated funding, training programs, and platforms for artisans to reach global audiences. The presence of the Abdul Latif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture added a architectural dimension, linking crafts to the built environment and sacred spaces. This holistic approach recognizes that crafts are not isolated skills but part of a broader ecosystem of design, faith, and community.

International and Regional Impact

Why should the world pay attention to a handicrafts conference in Dhahran? The event reflects a wider movement to protect cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable development. Across the Middle East, conflicts and economic instability have displaced artisans and disrupted supply chains, threatening centuries-old traditions. By bringing together international participants, Ithra facilitated a exchange of expertise that can help communities in crisis regions rebuild their craft economies. The Turquoise Mountain Foundation’s work in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the Middle East exemplifies how craft can be a lifeline for displaced people, offering income and a sense of identity.

What role does Saudi Arabia play in this global effort? The Kingdom’s own heritage sector has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with the Heritage Commission leading documentation, restoration, and promotion of traditional crafts. Saudi Arabia’s geographical and cultural position—at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe—makes it a natural convener for Islamic art. The conference also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader diplomatic outreach, using culture as a bridge to strengthen ties with nations across the Islamic world and beyond. Participants from various countries left with new partnerships and a shared commitment to safeguard artisans’ contributions.

Can regional crises be countered through cultural cooperation? The conference suggested that even in times of turmoil, heritage can be a source of resilience. By focusing on the artisan, the event highlighted the human dimension of heritage—the hands that shape wood, weave fabric, and carve stone. This emphasis on people over objects resonated with international attendees, many of whom work in conflict zones. The dialogue sessions provided a rare space for artisans from different backgrounds to share challenges and solutions, fostering a sense of solidarity that transcends borders.

Economic and Strategic Significance

How does supporting handicrafts contribute to economic growth? The crafts sector, often overlooked in national accounts, represents a significant source of employment and income, particularly for women and rural communities. In Saudi Arabia, the Heritage Commission has been working to integrate artisans into the formal economy, providing training, market access, and intellectual property protection. The conference’s call for a comprehensive strategy echoes Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy and creating opportunities in cultural industries. By investing in handicrafts, the Kingdom is not only preserving heritage but also building a sustainable tourism and export sector.

What strategic value does cultural heritage hold for Saudi Arabia? Beyond economics, heritage is a cornerstone of national identity and soft power. Vision 2030 explicitly recognizes the importance of culture in projecting a modern, open image of the Kingdom. Events like the Islamic Art Conference showcase Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class cultural gatherings, attract international experts, and foster dialogue. They also support the development of cultural tourism, drawing visitors interested in authentic experiences. The continuation of exhibitions and workshops until the end of November extends the economic impact, benefiting local businesses and artisans who participate.

Could the conference’s recommendations shape future policy? The dialogue sessions produced actionable ideas, from establishing craft incubators to creating digital marketplaces. If implemented, these measures could transform the sector, making it more resilient and globally competitive. The involvement of the Abdul Latif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture suggests that crafts will also be integrated into architectural projects, ensuring demand for traditional skills. This cross-sector approach is a hallmark of Vision 2030, which seeks to break down silos and promote integrated development.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Islamic Art Conference embody the aspirations of Vision 2030? At its core, Vision 2030 aims to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Cultural heritage is a thread that runs through all three. By revitalizing handicrafts, Saudi Arabia is preserving its identity, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening its global standing. Ithra, as a center for world culture, exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural exchange and innovation. The conference’s success demonstrates that heritage and modernity are not opposites but partners in progress.

What legacy will this event leave for future generations? The artisans who participated, the ideas exchanged, and the networks formed will continue to bear fruit long after the conference closes. The call to shift perceptions—to see crafts as dynamic and valuable—is already gaining traction. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward Vision 2030, events like this will play a crucial role in showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural tapestry and its dedication to preserving it for the world. The Islamic Art Conference is more than a meeting; it is a statement that the art of the artisan will endure.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the theme of the second Islamic Art Conference hosted by Ithra?

A1. The conference was held under the theme “In Praise of the Artisan,” focusing on the preservation and revitalization of Islamic art and heritage, with a special emphasis on supporting handicrafts and the artisans who practice them.

Q2. Where and when did the second Islamic Art Conference take place?

A2. It was held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on November 25-26, 2024. Accompanying exhibitions and workshops continued until the end of November.

Q3. Who collaborated with Ithra to host the conference?

A3. Ithra hosted the conference in collaboration with the Abdul Latif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, a Saudi initiative dedicated to advancing mosque design and architecture, reflecting a holistic approach to Islamic art.

Q4. What did participants call for during the dialogue sessions?

A4. Participants called for a comprehensive strategy to support the handicrafts sector and ensure the survival of professions threatened by extinction, especially amid ongoing regional crises that disrupt traditional craft economies.

Q5. Who is Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash and what did he say about the conference?

A5. Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash is the CEO of the Heritage Commission. He described the conference as transformative for the crafts sector, stressing the need to shift perceptions that associate handicrafts with extinction or confine them to older or lower-income groups.

Q6. What stereotypes did Dr. Al-Harbash challenge regarding handicrafts?

A6. He challenged the stereotype that handicrafts are dying or limited to older or lower-income people. He noted that artisans have been integral to society for millennia, balancing their craft with cultural pursuits such as art and poetry.

Q7. Who is Shoshana Stewart and what organization does she represent?

A7. Shoshana Stewart is the Executive Director of the UK-based Turquoise Mountain Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports traditional crafts and provides sustainable income for communities in crisis-affected regions around the world.

Q8. What did Shoshana Stewart highlight about the Turquoise Mountain Foundation’s work?

A8. She highlighted the foundation’s global mission to support the future of handicrafts, including initiatives in war-torn and crisis-affected regions that provide a sustainable source of income for displaced families while preserving traditional crafts.

Q9. How did the conference address the impact of regional crises on handicrafts?

A9. The conference discussed how regional crises threaten craft professions and called for strategies to support artisans. It also showcased how organizations like Turquoise Mountain help displaced communities maintain crafts as a source of income and identity.

Q10. What accompanying activities took place alongside the conference?

A10. Exhibitions and workshops were held alongside the dialogue sessions, continuing until the end of November. These activities allowed participants and the public to engage directly with artisans and learn about traditional crafts.

Q11. Why is the preservation of handicrafts important for cultural heritage?

A11. Handicrafts embody centuries of cultural identity, techniques, and history. Preserving them ensures that traditional knowledge is passed to future generations and that the cultural richness of the Islamic world remains vibrant and visible.

Q12. How does the conference support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals?

A12. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural heritage, diversifying the economy through cultural industries, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for cultural exchange and diplomacy, while creating economic opportunities for artisans.

Q13. What role does Ithra play in Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape?

A13. Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, is a flagship cultural institution established by Saudi Aramco. It hosts world-class events, fosters creativity, and serves as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue, supporting the Kingdom’s cultural transformation.

Q14. What is the Abdul Latif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture?

A14. It is a Saudi award that recognizes excellence in mosque architecture. Its collaboration with Ithra on this conference highlights the intersection of crafts and architecture in Islamic heritage, promoting traditional skills in contemporary design.

Q15. How can handicrafts contribute to economic development in Saudi Arabia?

A15. Handicrafts can create jobs, support rural and women-led enterprises, and boost tourism. By integrating crafts into the formal economy, Saudi Arabia can diversify income sources and preserve cultural heritage, in line with Vision 2030.

Q16. What challenges do artisans face in crisis-affected regions?

A16. Artisans in crisis zones often face displacement, loss of markets, and disruption of supply chains. Organizations like Turquoise Mountain help them rebuild livelihoods by providing training, market access, and support to continue their crafts.

Q17. How did the conference foster international participation?

A17. It brought together experts, artisans, and organizations from various countries, including the UK-based Turquoise Mountain Foundation. This international participation facilitated knowledge exchange and highlighted global solidarity in preserving Islamic art.

Q18. What is the significance of the theme “In Praise of the Artisan”?

A18. The theme places artisans at the center of heritage preservation, recognizing their skills, resilience, and contributions. It shifts focus from objects to people, emphasizing that living crafts depend on supporting the artisans themselves.

Q19. What outcomes are expected from the conference’s recommendations?

A19. The recommendations aim to create a comprehensive strategy for the handicrafts sector, including funding, training, and market access. If implemented, they could revitalize crafts, ensure their survival, and enhance their economic and cultural value.

Q20. How does the Islamic Art Conference reflect Saudi Arabia’s global cultural leadership?

A20. By hosting a major international event that unites experts and artisans, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and fostering global dialogue. It reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a cultural bridge and a leader in heritage revitalization.

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