The Saudi Ministry of Culture is participating in the 38th Jerash Festival in Jordan from July 24 to August 3, 2024, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity. The ministry’s delegation, operating through three key cultural agencies, is presenting a range of activities aimed at strengthening cultural exchange and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance on the regional and global stage.
Context and Background
The Jerash Festival, held annually in the ancient city of Jerash, is one of the most prominent cultural events in the Arab world, attracting artists and audiences from across the region. Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering international cultural diplomacy and sharing its unique traditions with a broader audience. The festival provides a platform for the Kingdom to demonstrate its progress under the National Cultural Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030.
Key Details
The Theater and Performing Arts Commission is featuring performing-arts groups from several Saudi regions, presenting traditional arts like Al-Hajini, Al-Dahha, Al-Samri, Al-Khamari, and Al-Rabash on the festival’s main stage. The Heritage Commission has established a specialized pavilion for “Year of the Camel 2024”, a digital photo exhibition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia, and a display of the Kingdom’s architectural heritage through virtual-reality technologies. Traditional crafts by Saudi artisans, including palm crafts, pottery, Asiri weaving, bead making, jewelry crafting, and woodworking, are also being exhibited. The Music Commission is participating with a pavilion at the international exhibition site, introducing the “Turooq” initiative to preserve traditional Saudi performing music and the Saudi Music Memory initiative through interactive screens. A cultural exchange show titled “Turooq Meets the World” at the Sound and Light Theater blends Saudi musical heritage with traditions from participating countries.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s active role in the Jerash Festival enhances cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as other participating nations. By presenting a diverse array of cultural expressions, from traditional arts to modern digital exhibitions, the Kingdom positions itself as a vibrant hub for heritage and innovation. This engagement supports broader regional stability and mutual understanding, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision of fostering cooperative international relationships.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This participation is a direct reflection of the National Cultural Strategy, derived from Vision 2030, which aims to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity and heritage while opening the Kingdom to the world. By showcasing its artistic and historical wealth, Saudi Arabia not only preserves its traditions but also drives economic diversification through cultural tourism and creative industries. The Ministry of Culture’s efforts at the Jerash Festival demonstrate a commitment to cultural exchange and global leadership, contributing to a vibrant society and a thriving economy.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Jerash Festival?
A1. The Jerash Festival is a major annual cultural event held in the ancient city of Jerash, Jordan, featuring performances, exhibitions, and activities from regional and international participants.
Q2. Which Saudi ministry is participating in the 2024 Jerash Festival?
A2. The Saudi Ministry of Culture is participating in the 38th Jerash Festival, representing the Kingdom’s cultural sector.
Q3. When is the 38th Jerash Festival taking place?
A3. The festival runs from July 24 to August 3, 2024.
Q4. What are the three cultural agencies involved in Saudi Arabia’s participation?
A4. The three agencies are the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Music Commission.
Q5. Which traditional Saudi arts are being performed at the festival?
A5. Traditional arts include Al-Hajini, Al-Dahha, Al-Samri, Al-Khamari, and Al-Rabash.
Q6. What is the focus of the Heritage Commission’s pavilion?
A6. The pavilion features the “Year of the Camel 2024” exhibition, digital photos of UNESCO sites, and virtual-reality displays of architectural heritage.
Q7. What is the “Year of the Camel 2024”?
A7. It is a Saudi initiative celebrating the cultural significance of camels, highlighting their role in heritage and traditions.
Q8. What crafts are being displayed by Saudi artisans?
A8. Crafts include palm crafts, pottery, Asiri weaving, bead making, jewelry crafting, and woodworking.
Q9. What is the “Turooq” initiative?
A9. “Turooq” is a Saudi initiative aimed at preserving traditional Saudi performing music and promoting cultural exchange.
Q10. What is the “Saudi Music Memory” initiative?
A10. It is an initiative to document and preserve Saudi musical heritage through interactive digital platforms.
Q11. What is the “Turooq Meets the World” show?
A11. It is a cultural exchange performance at the Sound and Light Theater, blending Saudi music with traditions from other participating countries.
Q12. How does Saudi Arabia’s participation benefit cultural exchange?
A12. It strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Jordan and other nations, promoting mutual understanding and shared heritage.
Q13. How does this participation align with Vision 2030?
A13. It supports the National Cultural Strategy, which aims to showcase Saudi culture, boost tourism, and diversify the economy.
Q14. What is the role of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission?
A14. It coordinates performing arts groups from Saudi regions to present traditional dances and music at the festival.
Q15. What is the significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the exhibition?
A15. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s globally recognized cultural landmarks, promoting heritage tourism and international appreciation.
Q16. How does virtual reality enhance the Heritage Commission’s display?
A16. VR technologies allow visitors to explore Saudi architectural heritage sites interactively, offering an immersive experience.
Q17. What is the Music Commission’s pavilion about?
A17. It introduces “Turooq” and “Saudi Music Memory” through interactive screens, educating visitors about Saudi musical traditions.
Q18. Why is the Jerash Festival important for Saudi Arabia?
A18. It provides a platform to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance and strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations.
Q19. What is the National Cultural Strategy?
A19. It is a Vision 2030 initiative to preserve and promote Saudi culture, support creative industries, and enhance global cultural engagement.
Q20. How long is the Saudi Ministry of Culture participating in the festival?
A20. The participation spans the entire festival duration, from July 24 to August 3, 2024.
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