Ithra’s 2nd Islamic Art Conference Explores Heritage, Role of Artisans
The event, held in collaboration with the Abdullatif Al-Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture, brings together 50 participants from 14 countries, including 27 speakers, to examine the intersection of tradition and modernity in Islamic art.
The conference offers a diverse program of panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive demonstrations, featuring artists, historians, curators, and academics, Arab News reported on Monday.
A key topic is the role of artisans in safeguarding cultural heritage while navigating contemporary challenges. Sessions also highlight how traditional crafts can inspire innovation in design, business, and urban development.
Running concurrently is the “In Praise of the Artisan” exhibition, showcasing historical artifacts and modern works such as wood carvings, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. Visitors can participate in workshops on embroidery, wood carving, and traditional crafts like sailboat making.
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Complementing the exhibition are three curated films exploring the lives and contributions of artisans, with post-screening discussions led by filmmakers.
Eight additional mini-exhibits in Ithra’s plaza, created with organizations like The Heritage Commission and The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, spotlight regional crafts from countries such as Turkey and Egypt.
The exhibition will remain open until December 2027, offering continued opportunities to explore the significance of Islamic arts in a modern context.
Source: Agencies
