Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale took a meaningful step forward during a recent high-level cultural meeting held in the lagoon city. His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan AlSaud, Minister of Culture for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with His Excellency Alessandro Giuli, Italian Minister of Culture, during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. The meeting reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to deepening cultural ties and supporting collaborative initiatives.
Cultural Cooperation at a Global Event
During their meeting in Venice, the ministers discussed new opportunities to strengthen Saudi–Italian cultural exchange. Both acknowledged the importance of sustained collaboration across museums, design institutions, and public exhibitions. Their shared vision reflects how global culture is increasingly shaped by partnerships that span continents and traditions.
Prince Bader emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s continued participation in La Biennale di Venezia is a cultural priority. This year marks the fifth consecutive edition of the Saudi Pavilion since its debut in 2021—underscoring the Kingdom’s growing engagement with the international arts community.
Highlights of Saudi–Italian Collaboration
Recent initiatives between the two countries include:
- A design museum in Saudi Arabia developed in partnership with Triennale Milano.
- A planned exhibition through the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission and Salone del Mobile.
- Cultural activations by the Saudi Ministry of Culture across Venice throughout 2025.
Both ministers praised these projects and reiterated their commitment to monitoring and expanding bilateral programs that foster cultural understanding.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Role in the Arts
Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale has become more than a single event—it’s a strategic platform for artistic diplomacy. The Kingdom’s growing presence not only reflects national pride, but also a desire to engage with global ideas and audiences. From architecture to contemporary art, Saudi initiatives increasingly echo the language of international creativity.
Why Venice Matters
La Biennale di Venezia, established in 1895, is one of the world’s most influential cultural festivals. Each edition of the Architecture and Art Biennales attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, as well as national pavilions from over 60 countries. For nations like Saudi Arabia, participation in La Biennale is both symbolic and strategic—a way to amplify their creative voices on a global stage.
Venice itself, long a crossroads of trade and culture, offers the ideal setting for this kind of exchange. The city’s layered history, architectural marvels, and annual influx of international visitors make it a hub where art, politics, and soft power naturally intersect.
Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its cultural infrastructure and global partnerships, Italy remains a key ally. Together, these nations are shaping a narrative that places dialogue, design, and diplomacy at the heart of contemporary culture.
To learn more, visit: https://www.moc.gov.sa/
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Note: This exchange is part of an ongoing initiative between Canvas Central, the digital offshoot of Canvas Magazine, and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture to spotlight culturally significant stories.
