In a strategic move reflecting the deep integration between state sectors to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the “Afaq Academy for Arts and Culture” on Wednesday. This launch is the fruit of a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and coincides with the closing ceremony of the third edition of the “Cultural Skills” competition, which has proven successful in uncovering the latent creative talents of male and female students across the Kingdom.
An integrated partnership for human development
During the launch, the Minister of Culture emphasized that this strategic partnership between the culture and education sectors is not merely a protocolary collaboration, but rather a fundamental pillar in the Ministry's journey towards building national capabilities. His Highness explained that true and sustainable investment begins with "people," by providing a nurturing environment that discovers talents at an early stage, refines them, and empowers them to become a key contributor to the Kingdom's standing in the fields of global creativity and innovation.
The Ministry of Culture indicated through its official platforms that the academy will open new educational dimensions, aimed at developing cultural skills and enhancing creative abilities, making it a launching pad for a new generation of Saudi creators.
Vision context and human capacity development
The establishment of the Afaq Academy for Arts and Culture comes within the context of an unprecedented cultural movement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the launch of Vision 2030. This project falls under the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the Vision's key initiatives, which aims to cultivate globally competitive citizens. Integrating culture and the arts into the educational system is no longer merely a recreational activity, but has become essential for developing critical and creative thinking, strengthening national identity, and building a well-rounded personality proud of its heritage.
Expected economic and social impact
The academy is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering the Kingdom’s creative economy. By transforming artistic hobbies into professional skills through specialized curricula and training, the academy will contribute to creating new job opportunities in the arts, design, music, and theater sectors. This approach supports the diversification of national income sources and reduces reliance on oil, transforming the cultural sector into a productive contributor to the GDP.
The Minister of Culture concluded his speech by thanking all partners in the education system, congratulating the winners of the cultural skills competition, and stressing that this academy will be a stimulating environment that instills values of mastery and responsibility, and contributes to creating a vibrant society and an ambitious nation.
