RIYADH, 19 May 2007 — More than 50 Saudi and Italian women artists will display their works at a show that is scheduled to be inaugurated today by Princess Seeta bint Abdullah on behalf of Hessa bint Al-Sha’alan, wife of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
The show will be open for public at the National Museum in Riyadh from tomorrow through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The weeklong cultural event is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Information in cooperation with Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women (NPSW) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through it mission in Riyadh.
Announcing the exhibition at a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Prince Saud ibn Musaed told reporters that the show would be another major step in strengthening the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
A group of 30 artists from various regions of Italy have come down to participate in the joint cultural effort. Eighteen artists will represent Saudi Arabia. Officials say that a similar show is planned for Rome next year.
Prince Saud said that his ministry was keen on promoting cultural relations with other countries to promote mutual understanding and was bearing the cost of hosting the show.
Italian Ambassador Eugenio d’Auria, Nada Al-Jaber, senior member of the NPSW board of directors, and Rosaira d’Auria, wife of the Italian ambassador, were present at the press briefing.
Ambassador D’Auria said the show, dubbed “Nawareth”, would exhibit various forms of creative expression, such as handicrafts, jewelry, pottery, costumes, folklore dancing, poetry, cuisine and traditional arts.
“We have chosen artists from all parts of Italy to project the right image of the country,” he said. “Nawareth will strengthen the cultural and intellectual interaction by improving the communication between women’s worlds, stressing common roots and diversity, comparing old times and today’s world.”
The envoy said the two countries signed a protocol of cooperation in 1973 and it is being renewed every three years.
“From time to time, the two countries identify new areas of cooperation for mutual interest,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the NPSW, Al-Jaber said this exhibition would be a good platform for women living in the two countries to get to know each other.
She pointed out that some 18 Saudi women artists from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam would take part in this event. Saudi exhibitors include Princess Arige bint Turki ibn Nasser and Princess Sara bint Musaed, who will display their paintings and jewelry respectively.
