Saudi Arabia has been focused on promoting sustainability in its cultural sector, as highlighted in the recent publication of the 5th edition of “The Cultural Status in Saudi Arabia 2023” report by the Ministry of Culture. The report emphasizes efforts to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage, enhance economic viability of cultural activities, and expand cultural participation across diverse segments of society. Since its inception in 2019, the State of Culture Report has been monitoring the contributions of the cultural sector, focusing on economic impact and growth within the creative economy. The latest edition extends this focus to the intersection of culture and the environment, exploring how climate change threatens cultural heritage and initiatives aimed at mitigating these impacts.
The report delves into sustainability practices in various cultural sectors such as fashion, architecture, design, and culinary arts, highlighting challenges to widespread adoption and suggesting ways to enhance sustainable practices. It also addresses the sustainable management of cultural heritage, the service of the Arabic language, and developments in infrastructure, regulations, and support mechanisms. Structured into five chapters, the report covers aspects such as management and preservation of cultural heritage, creativity and cultural production, knowledge and skills advancements in cultural education and training, cultural participation, and analysis of the creative economy.
The first chapter, “Management and Preservation,” evaluates the sustainable management of cultural heritage, while the second chapter, “Creativity and Cultural Production,” measures cultural output across various sectors and documents awards won by Saudi creators. The third chapter, “Knowledge and Skills,” focuses on advancements in cultural education and training to build cultural expertise, while the fourth chapter, “Cultural Participation,” explores how the cultural sector engages diverse communities through non-profit activities. The final chapter, “Creative Economy,” analyses economic indicators such as employment statistics, business growth, tourism, spending, and demand within the cultural sector.
The 2023 Cultural Status Report offers a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, providing a systematic analysis of the sector’s achievements and challenges, based on research and studies approved by the Ministry of Culture. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the country’s cultural sector and the efforts being made to promote sustainability and growth. With a specific emphasis on the intersection of culture and the environment, the report highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of climate change and the initiatives being undertaken to ensure its protection. By addressing challenges and proposing solutions to enhance sustainable practices, the report aims to promote the economic viability and inclusivity of the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia.
