RIYADH, 11 February 2004 — The Saudi Hollandi Bank (SHB) will be sponsoring art exhibitions by local artists in Dammam and Jeddah as part of an initiative to highlight Saudi creativity and promote art, according to Hamad Al-Huthaili, SHB general manager for the Business Development Group.
The announcement was made after the success of an art exhibition sponsored by SHB on the Sky Bridge of the Kingdom Tower. The exhibition featured a groundbreaking display of works by local artists.
“The Sky Bridge exhibition was very warmly received. Visitors admired the breathtaking paintings depicting different areas of Saudi culture and that reflected local artists’ creativity and artistry,” Al-Huthaili told Arab News.
He thanked the Saudi Culture and Art Association, the Kingdom Tower’s staff and all the artists whose contributions made the exhibition a great success and “one of a kind.”
“By sponsoring the exhibition, SHB demonstrated its support for cultural projects and artistic talents in the Kingdom. We will soon be sponsoring a series of exhibitions to help Saudi artists achieve international recognition.”
He said the exhibition underlined the private sector’s determination to support social and cultural activities in the Kingdom and reflects an increased sense of social responsibility among privately owned institutions.
He added that the details regarding future art exhibitions and other cultural events will be announced in due course. “Planning is already under way,” he said.
Future events sponsored by the bank will provide an important platform for both new and established artists to display their works in public.
