The Saudi Heritage Commission is organizing the second edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, “Banan,” under the gracious patronage of Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Heritage Commission, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud. The event will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29, 2024, highlighting authentic handicrafts and traditional industries. It aims to support artisans from within and outside the Kingdom by showcasing their creations and enhancing their capabilities.
The exhibition includes various pavilions and activities that enrich visitors’ experiences, such as a Handicraft Arts Village, a Live Craft Demonstration Pavilion, a Craft Exhibition, a Handicraft Workshop Pavilion, an Interactive Experience Zone, and an Entrepreneurs and Artisan Institutions Platform. There is also a Children’s Pavilion featuring a range of activities designed for kids. More than 20 countries will participate, with over 500 local and international artisans showcasing th
eir work.
“Banan” serves as a dynamic platform to celebrate traditional handicrafts. Its role extends beyond promoting these authentic arts; it also contributes to economically supporting artisans by enabling them to market their work to a broader audience of local and international visitors. Recognizing handicrafts as part of the Kingdom’s intangible cultural heritage, the exhibition aims to raise awareness and develop them to ensure their continuity for future generations.
Following the successes of its first edition, “Banan” received several international awards, recognizing its excellence in utilizing the aesthetics of handicrafts through innovative artistic design. These awards reflect the Kingdom’s progress in supporting designers and artisans on the international stage, highlighting the cultural and creative value of handicrafts. This also affirms the Commission’s commitment to the highest standards of artistic design in organizing heritage events, enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a leading dest
ination in creative design related to heritage.
The exhibition aims to provide visitors with a rich and comprehensive cultural experience, allowing them to interact directly with artisans and observe the production processes of handmade artistic pieces. Through this experience, visitors will learn about the cultural diversity that the Kingdom embraces, enriching their knowledge of Saudi heritage and deepening their understanding of the country’s customs and traditions. Additionally, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to connect visitors with the national cultural identity and transmit it to future generations.
The Saudi Heritage Commission emphasizes that “Banan” represents a vision to support and empower the handicraft cultural sector, making it an important contributor to the Kingdom’s economy. This aligns with the objectives of the National Culture Strategy derived from Saudi Vision 2030. Through this event, the Commission reiterates its commitment to providing an encouraging environment for arti
sans and creatives to enhance their sustainable development. The Commission aims for “Banan” to become one of the prominent cultural exhibitions both locally and internationally, attracting a wide audience interested in heritage and handicrafts.
It is worth noting that the Saudi Heritage Commission organizes the “Banan” exhibition in partnership with Elm Company, the Executive Company, Nova Water Company, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wirth), and the Saudi Crafts Company, all in support of enhancing the role of handicrafts in enriching the cultural landscape and achieving a sustainable future for the sector.
Source: Saudi Press Agency