Students will now have access to academic qualifications in the arts in the Kingdom
20 August 2019
| Last updated on 21 August 2019The new schools will open up academic qualifications in the arts for students in Saudi Arabia...
Saudi Arabia is set to open the doors to two new arts academies from 2020, establishing the first step towards formal art qualifications within the kingdom. The initiative is part of the Quality of Life program under the Ministry of Culture (MOC), in hopes to transform Saudi Arabia's arts, music, and heritage scene into a world-class level while simultaneously enhancing the lifestyle of residents.
One academy will be specialising in Saudi heritage and traditional arts, with short-term and long-term programs receiving applications in the autumn of 2020. The heritage institution is expected to welcome an estimated 1,000 students and trainees for its new courses.
The second academy will focus on music and is targeting around 1,000 students and trainees starting in 2021.
Saudi musician, producer, and composer Mamdouh Saif told Arab News that the music academy aims to be "the core of music production and talent development in Saudi Arabia."
Although the kingdom is rich in a diversity of artistic production and talents, there have been no educational qualifications available. Many who wished to learn music while in Saudi Arabia had to receive guidance and support through private lessons. The introduction of a formal music academy will deliver learning opportunities in a methodological way that is similar to the environment in regular schools and universities.
According to Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture, Saudi Arabia's transformation in its entertainment, performing arts, film, and work sectors have been enjoying tremendous support from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Recent development include the kingdom's first film festival next year, the return of cinema theatres, and a local first: KSA's first female pilot.
The initiative plans to encourage and nurture KSA's arts industry and enlarge its contributions to the world's media and entertainment fields.
Other exciting progress in Saudi Arabia's music scene includes the number of concerts and festivals featuring international megastars such as Liam Payne, Enrique Iglesias, Jason Derulo, Future, and even more singers greenlighted to perform in the kingdom.