Venice: The Ministry of Culture concluded its 2025 cultural activations in Venice, launched on 7 May to coincide with the opening of the 19th International Architecture Biennale, presenting more than 23 workshops, panel discussions, and art exhibitions that collectively welcomed over 84,000 visitors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, through these initiatives, the ministry highlighted the Kingdom's rich and diverse cultural heritage, spanning architecture, design, visual arts, fashion, heritage, music, gastronomy, and film. Organized in collaboration with partners across the cultural ecosystem, the activations began with the exhibition Rooted Transience, which ran from May to November and featured the winning project of the AlMusalla Prize 2025, an international competition launched by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for designing spaces dedicated to prayer and reflection.
Saudi cultural offerings included several notable exhibitions. Lines that Unite: Arabic Calligraphy in Space traced the evolution of Arabic calligraphy and its role in architecture. Under a New Light showcased a selection of photographs from the Kingdom Photography Award 2025. Threads of Identity: Saudi House of Fashion highlighted the work of Saudi fashion designers, while Year of Handicrafts celebrated traditional crafts from regions across the Kingdom.
The program also introduced a series of special initiatives. Discover Saudi Cinema screened nine short films by Saudi directors alongside the Venice Film Festival, and a pop-up store by Saudi designer KAF by KAF presented pieces from a limited-edition 2025 collection created in collaboration with adidas. Fusion of Saudi and Venetian Sound Landscapes offered an interactive sound installation, while Flavors without Borders brought together Saudi and Italian culinary traditions, with chefs Taleen Miliany and Chiara Pavan creating a six-course menu blending both cuisines. Workshops in handicrafts and Arabic calligraphy complemented these initiatives.
Panel discussions further enriched the program, featuring experts, specialists, and prominent cultural figures from both countries. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including architecture, libraries, interior design, heritage, literature, Arabic calligraphy, Islamic art, gastronomy, film, music, and theater.
Through its annual cultural activations in Venice, the Ministry of Culture advanced international cultural exchange, a key objective of the National Culture Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, while allowing Italian and global audiences to engage with Saudi heritage and demonstrating the ministry's commitment to preserving traditions and fostering creativity.