JEDDAH: The Culture and Arts Society in Jeddah has opened a section for women musicians.
A space in the two-story building rented for the society in Al-Rehab district has been set apart for women musicians. The rooms in the building housed the society’s administrative office and six other sections.
The women members of the committee are allowed to attend only occasional meetings because there is no space to accommodate them on other days.
Abdullah Bahattab, chairman of the society, said the high cost of musical activities has made musical occasions a rare event compared to other art pursuits.
However, the society has finally showed its willingness to welcome music lovers of both genders and let them hold musical events, but with the condition that they conform to customs, especially the separation of the sexes.
On the other hand, Iman Al-Tunisi, chairperson of the Women’s Committee at the society, accused men of restricting women’s activities and creating a situation where women’s artistic programs become nonexistent.
Al-Tunisi complained that under the present system no woman was capable of presenting her programs successfully without the help of men.
Al-Tunisi, however, appreciated the society’s concern to promote women’s musical talent within the parameters of the local customs and traditions.
The performances can be held at a tent outside the building with a capacity for 60-80 viewers, according to playwright Ali Daabush.
The society is under the shadow of eviction from the building if the Ministry of Culture and Information does not pay the rent, which has been raised from SR120,000 to SR160,000 and is likely to be raised again to SR200,000.
The budget is another problem for the society, despite the awards and accolades it has won from groups in other countries.
The society was part of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare until four years ago.
