In a strategic move aimed at solidifying Saudi Arabia's position on the global art map, the Saudi Museums Authority signed an executive program with the Georges Pompidou Centre for Art and Culture in France. This collaboration aims to open new horizons in the fields of modern and contemporary art and develop sustainable partnerships that contribute to enriching the local cultural landscape.
Background of the partnership in the context of Vision 2030
This agreement is a direct result of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places culture and the arts as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and diversifying the national economy. Since the Vision’s launch, the Saudi cultural sector has undergone a radical transformation, marked by the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and its specialized bodies, including the Museums Authority, which leads efforts to develop the Kingdom’s museum infrastructure. The partnership with a global institution of the stature of the Centre Pompidou, a beacon of modern and contemporary art since its founding in Paris in 1977, reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to implement international best practices and build bridges of cultural dialogue with the world.
Dimensions of cooperation and its expected impact
The program was signed at the Diriyah Center for Future Arts in Riyadh, the first center specializing in new media arts in the Middle East, lending the event a special symbolic significance that reflects the Kingdom's focus on the future and innovation. The collaboration encompasses three main pillars. The first involves the Centre Pompidou lending a selection of artworks from its valuable collection for exhibition in the Kingdom, offering the Saudi public a rare opportunity to experience international art. The second pillar focuses on the joint organization of modern and contemporary art exhibitions, which will foster artistic exchange between Saudi artists and their international counterparts. The third pillar centers on the exchange of expertise in research, publishing, and public programs, contributing to building the capacity and developing the skills of national talent.
Local, regional and international importance
Locally, this partnership will contribute to raising artistic awareness and providing high-quality cultural content for citizens and residents, as well as inspiring a new generation of Saudi artists and curators. Regionally, this step reinforces Riyadh's position as a leading cultural capital in the Middle East, capable of attracting international artistic events and cultural tourism. Internationally, this collaboration represents an effective tool for cultural diplomacy, deepening the historical ties between the Kingdom and France and presenting a positive image of Saudi Arabia's cultural openness, underscoring its commitment to being an active partner in the global art scene.
