The Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities and a number of other art houses participated in the event. All displayed products, such as rugs and prayer beads, were inspired by Saudi heritage and culture. The academy aimed to give opportunities to women outside the academy to participate in the forum with their craftwork. More than 30 projects were displayed.
Jawaher Al-Zahrani, general manager of the academy, said that organizers worked on consolidating the craftwork initiative. The academy also supports unskilled women.
“We want these women to have a steady source of income,” said Al-Zahrani. “We have 105 women working from their homes during the year. We produce about 3,000 prayer rugs during the year and we also make sure that products match quality standards.”
Najla Bahari, manager of prayer beads production section at the academy, said her section is making new and creative beads to be sold as souvenirs. “We want to produce something made in Saudi Arabia,” she said.
She explained the beads are made from gems and they have on them pictures of the green dome of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and the Black Stone of the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, among others.
“We use camel bones with calligraphy of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) names on them to make other prayer beads.”
The academy also awarded prizes for the best beads and rug designs. Kholud Khan was awarded the top prize.
Ghada Al-Muhammdi, a Saudi artist participating for the first time at the forum, displayed some of her abstract artwork about nature, flowers and trees. She uses different canvas sizes and oils. She appreciated the chance given to her to participate, because the forum is an important art institution.
