Arab News

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is to set up 11 new cultural authorities to drive the development of sectors such as films, fashion, music, heritage and the arts.

The aim is to promote culture as a lifestyle, contributing to economic growth and enhancing the Kingdom’s position internationally, the Ministry of Culture said.

The establishment of the new authorities, each with their own financial and administrative independence, was approved by King Salman at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, will preside over the boards of directors of authorities covering literature, publishing and translation; fashion; film; heritage; architecture and design; visual arts; museums;theater and performing arts; libraries; music; and culinary arts.

As well as organizing and developing the cultural sub-sectors, the new authorities will work to support and encourage individuals and organizations operating within them, while setting new quality and efficiency standards to help meet ministry goals as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan.

The authority responsible for theater and performing arts will be charged with promoting and advancing the theatrical field, its financing and investment, and adoption of vocational training programs and specialized certifications.

Through the Film Commission, the Ministry of Culture will work to develop the Saudi movie sector and production environment, and stimulate, support and empower filmmaking talent in the country.

Part of the job of the literature, publishing and translation authority will involve supporting authors, preserving copyrights, and developing creative environments and training and investment opportunities.

The music authority will establish a professional industry for musical arts, provide licenses, and establish a database for the music sector in the Kingdom.