The British Council, with the cooperation of the Royal College of Art, Jeddah Municipality, Gharhem studios and Ameen Foundation, organized a 10-day artists’ residency program in Jeddah.

Charlie Walker, country director of the British Council, told Arab News that the program would allow Saudi artists to participate with four graduates from the Royal College of Art, UK, and artists from Yemen, Egypt and Oman, working under the leadership of Prof. David Rayson.

Walker said the program aims to enable the artists engage with the beauty of Jeddah.

“It’s good to see young photographers, painters, graffiti artists and sculptors working together across borders and cultures sharing their experiences and their sources of inspiration,” he said.

He said that Jeddah provides an amazing backdrop with its open air museum of public artworks, the new and modern infrastructure surrounded by the natural beauty of the Red Sea and the desert.

“The program will encourage artists to respond to this unique and stimulating environment through their work. It’s really a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved,” he added.

British Consul General Mohammed Shoukat praised the organizers for engaging Saudi and UK artists in a project that “will not only help them to learn about Jeddah and its beauty but also help in cultural exchange between the people of the two friendly countries.”

He said: “The exchange of culture and understanding of people opens new doors for investment, boosting each others economy and mutual understanding at many levels which always strengthens the relationship and friendship of countries.”

He said the program will also help people to know more about the beauty of the port city as “Jeddah has a number of beautiful sculptures, roundabouts, and artistic artwork made by Saudi and international artists.”

David Rayson said the program will consist of a series of workshops in visual arts practice, which aims to provide an opportunity for those who are interested in the art and culture of the Kingdom and Britain.

Noor Najeh Khuraidh, arts projects manager at the British Council, said: “It’s the first stage of the program, and is expected to be followed by several stages and upcoming art event to help motivate the Saudi artists to use the surrounding environment in creating new artworks with enthusiasm amid healthy competition that will be exhibited locally and globally.”