The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (TRITA) is a governmental institute concerned with traditional arts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides and promotes quality services in education and training in the fields of traditional arts, and encourages and strengthens national capabilities in this field. This institute aligns with the Ministry of Culture's initiatives aimed at developing and improving the cultural sector in the Kingdom, and the Quality of Life Program, which is one of the Saudi Vision 2030 Realization Programs.

TRITA was established by virtue of a resolution from the Council of Ministers issued in 2021. It has a legal personality, and is financially and administratively independent. It is headquartered in the capital, Riyadh, in proximity to the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

On November 16, 2021, TRITA opened its first branch in Jeddah City, thus becoming a building block for shaping the cultural landscape and reflecting an honorable image of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy and heritage.

TRITA works to highlight the Saudi national identity. It also introduces and globally promotes cultural landmarks in the Kingdom, encourages talents and capabilities in the fields of traditional arts through education and training, and preserves the tangible and intangible traditional arts assets. It aims to become a destination for traditional arts.

In order to achieve its objectives, TRITA conducts training courses, mainly holding several training sessions and preparatory programs and diplomas in the field of traditional arts. It also proposes, supervises the implementation, and observes the development of educational academic programs in coordination with relevant entities. TRITA also provides educational and vocational scholarships for traditional art talents. Not to mention the advisory and training services it provides in its field of expertise.

TRITA offers its educational programs through four tracks. The first track includes the apprenticeship programs, the second track offers the traditional construction techniques diploma, the third track involves the continuing education program (short courses), and the fourth track is focused on community programs. TRITA offers many specializations for traditional visual and performing art studies, including: Textile and fashion arts; raw materials arts; construction arts; book art; traditional music; museums, heritage, and antique studies.

In June 2022, TRITA was the first Saudi entity to become a member of the Cumulus Association. TRITA's membership further promotes the Kingdom's cultural heritage and highlights the Saudi identity in the fields related to design and arts, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It will also support TRITA's efforts to communicate with the world and raise awareness on, disseminate, and introduce traditional arts to the world.

The Cumulus Association is a global association for universities, colleges, and institutes specializing in the arts and design. It is headquartered in Espoo, Finland, and it is one of the leading associations that coordinate efforts, exchange knowledge, and enhance cooperation in the fields of design and arts. It comprises 350 member institutions, universities, and institutes from 63 countries.