Society for Culture and Arts

The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, known as the Society of Culture and Arts, is a society aimed at nurturing young talents, developing arts and culture, preserving and advancing heritage, and supporting artistic and social interests in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1973.

Establishing the Arab Saudi Society for Culture and Arts originated from a group of poets, actors, musicians, and artists aiming to unite their diverse talents and promote their social and artistic interests under one name. This led to the issuance of the initial license for the society in 1973 before obtaining the final license in 1975.

The Arab Saudi Society for Arts was established in 1978, and later changed its name to include the word "Culture." Initially, the organization placed more emphasis on "Arts" than "Culture," but eventually decided to modify the name and give priority to "Culture." This was done to acknowledge that the arts are an essential component of culture.

The society's areas of interest are theater, music, film, visual arts and calligraphy, heritage and folk arts, and photography. These diverse areas of interest aim to elevate Saudi culture, support artists and writers, enrich the cultural scene, secure the future of intellectuals, foster and train young talents, and represent the Kingdom in fields related to culture and the arts.

The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts has sixteen branches distributed over the provinces and governorates of the Kingdom, and all of them are linked to the main headquarters in the capital, Riyadh. Various commissions exist within the society that are present across all branches. These include the Heritage Commission, Folk and Musical Arts Commission, Photography Commission, and Plastic Arts Commission.

The Arab Saudi Society for Culture and Arts has engaged in various activities since its establishment. It has showcased several theatrical productions that meet international standards, attracting renowned artists, directors, and performers. The society has organized exhibitions, published books, magazines, and cultural publications, and actively participated in cultural and artistic events both within and outside the Kingdom. It has also led to the emergence of several associations, notably the Saudi Theater Association and the Saudi Photography Association.