In an inspiring story that embodies the cultural transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, visual artist Ibrahim Al-Milad revealed a radical turning point in his career and life, considering that the invitation from the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, was like a “return of the spirit” after many years of feeling frustrated and hopeless.
In an exclusive interview with Al-Youm, Al-Milad, the artist in his sixties known as "Abu Khalil," bravely admitted that he considered himself a "failure." This harsh self-criticism wasn't unfounded, but stemmed from a bitter reality that forced him to postpone his artistic dreams. He spent many years working in the fire department in Qatif Governorate, and while battling fires, the flames of his artistic passion were extinguished under the weight of family life and the demands of making ends meet, ultimately forcing him to abandon his brush and paints.
General context: Saudi art and Vision 2030
The story of this birth comes at a significant historical juncture for the Saudi Arabian art scene. For decades, many artists, particularly pioneers of naive and folk art, faced challenges in reaching audiences and securing institutional support. However, with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the cultural and artistic sector has witnessed an unprecedented renaissance. The government has prioritized supporting creative individuals across all fields as part of its strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen national identity. The General Entertainment Authority, under the leadership of Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, has become a pivotal player in this landscape, extending its role beyond attracting international events to include discovering and nurturing local talent.
A spark of hope: From a spontaneous clip to a formal invitation
The story began when a spontaneous video of the artist, Al-Milad, went viral, in which he poignantly lamented his missed opportunities, saying, “I couldn’t do anything.” These simple words touched the hearts of thousands and reached Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, who immediately responded via his official accounts, extending a public invitation to meet “Uncle Ibrahim” in Riyadh. This swift gesture was more than just an invitation; it was a powerful message that the nation does not forget its creative sons and daughters, and that opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of age or circumstances.
Expected impact: A new birth certificate
Al-Milad affirmed that this invitation rescued him from the isolation of retirement and restored his long-shaken self-confidence. The artist, who transformed the grounds of his heritage home into an art museum through his own efforts, had previously viewed his limited financial resources as an obstacle to his art reaching a wider audience. Now, the clouds of despair have dissipated, replaced by a powerful ambition. Al-Milad sees this initiative as a "new birth certificate" for his career and aspires to make up for lost time by participating in local and international art exhibitions and biennials, using Riyadh as a launching pad for his global reach. Al-Milad's story is not merely an individual success, but a reflection of a broader national trend that celebrates creativity and believes that even deferred dreams are still attainable.
