Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education introduce the Cultural Talent Development Strategy, the Kingdom’s flagship strategy for nurturing arts and cultural talent

–        The strategy was launched in collaboration with strategic partners, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the National eLearning Center

–        The initiative will offer extracurricular cultural activities to more than half the country’s public schools by 2026

–        It also seeks to have over 20,000 graduates in the arts and culture field

19th December 2022, RIYADH – The Saudi Ministry of Culture, along with the Ministry of Education, today announced the launch of the ‘Cultural Talent Development Strategy’, a significant new strategy to foster the growth of creative talent in the Kingdom. The landmark strategy will develop talent, expertise, and innovation within the cultural sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The integrated strategy, which will support the National Culture Strategy, comprises 14 programmes to be implemented over the coming years. It strives to encourage a career in the arts and produce qualified graduates who can thrive in the field. 

In collaboration with strategic partners, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the National eLearning Center, the strategy will offer extracurricular cultural activities to more than half the country’s public schools by 2026.

The strategy includes building 120 arts and culture training institutions, producing more than 20,000 graduates specialising in the arts and culture field, with 5% of all graduates specialising and being matched with careers in the cultural field; ensuring that 50% of Saudi schools provide extracurricular cultural activities for students; and providing support in increasing the percentage of local arts and culture hobbyists in Saudi Arabia by more than 14%.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, said: “We always say “education first”, especially in the fields of culture, arts, and creativity. In light of this, today we launched the Cultural Talent Development Strategy to develop the cultural and artistic capabilities of our society through a system of policies, standards, academic programs and opportunities that enrich cultural creativity in the Kingdom. The strategy includes linking education outputs with the needs of the labour market and supporting sustainable practises in the cultural sector.”

His Excellency Yousef bin Abdullah Al-benyan, Minister of Education supported the statement made by His Highness, adding that integrating culture and arts into all stages of education means strengthening skills and capabilities, enhancing the educational process and style of activities, and fostering an inspiring learning environment.

The cultural talent development strategy will use academic, extracurricular, and entrepreneurial programmes to offer enhanced arts and culture education—to encourage and nurture students and hobbyists. Talent scouting programs, competitions, amateur clubs, and out-of-school workshops for youngsters will also play a key role in discovering and developing talent within the country.

The development of talent in the arts and culture sector, through a strengthened regulatory framework and robust stakeholder collaboration, will result in a positive impact on the quality of life of the citizens of the Kingdom. 

Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is expected to contribute to the economy by generating USD 20 billion in revenues and creating 100,000 jobs in the Kingdom by 2030.