The exhibition, which is organized by the Heritage Authority, witnesses a wide turnout from visitors who find in its activities and products a window into the world. Handicrafts Diverse, reflecting an ancient cultural heritage from various countries of the world.
The exhibition, which will be held at Roshan Front in Riyadh until November 29, provides a distinguished platform that celebrates traditional handicrafts and highlights male and female craftsmen as a basic pillar in promoting the creative economy. It also enhances awareness of the importance of handicrafts as part of intangible cultural heritage, and seeks to ensure their continuity and transmission to generations. Coming within a vision that seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s position globally in this field.
The exhibition includes a wide participation of more than 500 male and female craftsmen from 25 countries, displaying various handmade products ranging from artistic masterpieces, textiles and traditional pieces that reflect the cultures of peoples. Visitors witnessed a unique experience through live performances that provided details of the stages of handcrafting, in addition to daily workshops. Which enabled participants to learn about the arts of embroidery, sadu, and wicker, while the children’s pavilion contributed to providing innovative activities for young people, which enhanced the interactive and cultural aspects of the festival.
Several countries participated with qualitative contributions that added an international dimension to the exhibition, making it stand out China With 5 pavilions, it showcased traditional textiles and handicrafts, while participating Sultanate of Oman Jordan has wooden works, artistic artifacts, and handmade textiles Greece and Mexico, they attracted attention by displaying unique pieces made by artisans, while providing an explanation of the stages of their manufacture.
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts “Worth” was one of the most prominent participants in the exhibition as a knowledge partner, as it provided daily workshops in 3 traditional arts: embroidery, sadu, and wicker, in addition to presenting community artwork in which visitors of all ages participated, and its pavilion provided points of sale for students’ products. And craftsmen, which added a distinctive touch to the event.
The Heritage Authority confirmed its commitment to supporting the craft sector within the national strategy for culture, derived from the vision Saudi Arabia 2030, and through “Benan” the Authority seeks to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as an international platform for handicrafts, not only by highlighting the aesthetics of heritage, but also by empowering craftsmen economically and marketing their products at the local and international levels.
The exhibition represented a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences between craftsmen from different countries, in addition to being a cultural and economic event that establishes the concept of sustainable development through handicrafts. “Bannan” is not limited to being merely an exhibition platform, but rather a comprehensive cultural experience that confirms the Kingdom’s keenness to preserve cultural heritage. And redefining it in a way that enhances its global position and places it at the forefront of countries supporting innovation in the cultural fields.
