Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Madinah witnessed a significant cultural event with the inauguration of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy. The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah and Chairman of the Board of the Madinah Development Authority, and His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, in a move reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to strengthening Arab and Islamic identity.
During the opening ceremony, His Royal Highness the Prince of Madinah, accompanied by the Minister of Culture and a number of officials, toured the center, viewing its state-of-the-art facilities and art galleries. Attendees listened to a detailed explanation of the center's strategic vision and its collection of cultural treasures and rare artifacts that showcase the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and its evolution throughout history. The presentation also highlighted the awards and achievements the center had garnered even before its official opening in its new form.
A global beacon in the cradle of Islam
The selection of Madinah as the location for this global center carries profound historical and cultural significance. It is not only the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but also the cradle from which the writing of the Holy Quran and the codification of Islamic sciences originated. The center represents an extension and development of Dar Al-Qalam, transforming today, thanks to the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, into a comprehensive global platform. This transformation solidifies the Kingdom's position as a hub for Arabic calligraphy and reinforces Madinah's role as a capital of Islamic culture and a destination for those interested in this art from around the world.
An ambitious cultural vision
In his address at the ceremony, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, affirmed that the center, emanating from the "land of light and knowledge," establishes a new concept for cultural exchange. He noted that the center embodies the vision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in preserving the rich cultural heritage. His Highness stated, "The center sends a message to the entire world about the magnitude of this great heritage and the esteemed position of Arabic calligraphy, and underscores the attention our leadership gives to our culture and identity.".
The center is a key pillar within the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to develop the Saudi contribution to arts and culture, as the center will act as a bridge for cultural communication between peoples, using Arabic calligraphy as an artistic and linguistic tool that transcends geographical boundaries.
Five strategic pillars
The center's role is not limited to museum displays; rather, it adopts a comprehensive strategy based on five key pillars that ensure its sustainability and impact, namely:
- Knowledge and development: through the establishment of a research and archiving unit to serve as a global reference.
- Skills development: through specialized educational programs and standards of Arabic calligraphy curricula.
- Community engagement: To connect the local and global community with the aesthetics of this art.
- Business and Opportunities: Through a business incubator that supports entrepreneurs in the arts.
- Innovation: To integrate Arabic calligraphy into design, architecture, and modern technologies.
Empowering talents and preserving heritage
The center targets a diverse range of audiences, including professional calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, and academic researchers. It will offer a suite of specialized programs such as an artist residency program and a permanent museum of Arabic calligraphy, in addition to organizing traveling exhibitions that tour the world to promote this authentic art form. These efforts aim to ensure the transmission of knowledge to future generations, protect Arabic calligraphy from extinction, and enhance its presence in the contemporary global art scene.
