RIYADH: The fifth National Cultural Awards crowned its winners at a ceremony held on Sunday at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said the awards reflected values of appreciation in Saudi culture.
The ministry aimed to empower creatives in all fields, he said, as he congratulated the winners’ contributions to the cultural landscape.
Among them was Mohammed Abdu, who was named Cultural Personality of the Year for his long artistic career and status as extraordinary ambassador of Saudi song.
The Youth Culture Award was won by poet Yahya Rayani for his influence in classical Arabic poetry, while the International Culture Excellence Award went to the Awamaki Foundation for its work in helping women in poor communities in the mountains of Peru by investing in handicrafts, work training and product development.
Abdul Monem Al-Rashed took home the Business Leaders Supporting Cultural Activities Award for his sponsorship of technological initiatives that integrate social and cultural change, while the Cultural Media Award went to Saad Al-Humaidin, the former head of the culture section at Al-Riyadh newspaper, for his decades of service in journalism and bringing new voices to the fore.
In recognition of projects such as the Islamic Arts House, the Ayat initiative and the Prophet’s Mosque Calligrapher Project, the Nonprofit Sector Award was presented to Al-Midad Foundation for Heritage, Culture and Arts.
Manga Productions Co. took home the Profit Sector Award, Dr. Abdullah Al-Buraidi won the Philosophical Writing Award, Makzan 7 Co. won for film, Saleh Abdulwahid won in performing arts for his role in preserving folk heritage in leading the Diriyah Ardah Troupe, and Princess Noura bint Mohammed Al-Faisal received an award for integrating Saudi heritage and craftsmanship in fashion design.
The Architecture and Design Arts Award was this year withheld by the jury due to the lack of a worthy winner.
The National Cultural Awards Initiative supports community participation and culture-driven economic growth by providing financial and moral support to creatives, recognizing the work of business leaders and cultural institutions both locally and internationally, and aiming to create unique cultural content and production.
