الجمعية العربية السعودية للثقافة والفنون

The history of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts began on the 19th of Dhu al-Qi’dah 1393 AH (1973 AD), when a decision was issued by the General Administration of Youth Welfare at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (currently the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, granting the association a preliminary license under the name of the Saudi Arabian Society for Arts for a period of one year.

In 1394 AH (1974 AD), the General Administration of Youth Welfare became a government institution with an independent entity and budget, administratively linked to the Supreme Council for Youth Welfare under the name of the General Presidency of Saudi Youth Welfare. On the 12th of Rabi’ al-Thani 1395 AH (1975 AD), Prince Faisal bin Fahd issued a decision granting the final license to the Saudi Arabian Society for Arts.

In 1398 AH (1978 AD), the association’s name was changed to the Saudi Arabian Society for Arts and Culture. In the same year, a decision was issued by Prince Faisal bin Fahd to place the word “culture” before the word “arts,” in order to reflect the inclusiveness of culture in both meaning and connotation. The name became the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, as it is now. In 1440 AH (2019 AD), the culture and arts associations were incorporated into the Ministry of Culture.

A decision was issued by the General Administration of Youth Welfare, which was then part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, to grant this association an initial license on November 19, 1393 AH (1973 AD) for a period of one year. Before the end of the year, a decision was issued to separate the General Administration of Youth Welfare into an independent presidency with an independent budget, under the name “General Presidency of Youth Welfare.”

On Rabi’ al-Akhir 12, 1394 AH (1974 CE), it was affiliated with the Supreme Council for Youth Welfare. On Rabi’ al-Akhir 12, 1395 AH (1975 CE), a decision was issued by the General President of Youth Welfare granting the final license to the Saudi Arabian Society for Arts.

In 1398 AH (1978 CE), the name was amended by adding “culture” after “arts,” as follows: “Saudi Arabian Society for Arts and Culture.” In the same year, a decision was issued to amend the name and place “culture” before “arts,” reflecting the inclusiveness of culture and the fact that arts are part of culture. This became the final name in effect to this day.

The Society’s Objectives:
To raise the level of culture and the arts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
To nurture Saudi writers and artists, working to raise their cultural, artistic, and social standing, securing their future, and guiding them toward what serves their community.
To foster young talents and provide them with opportunities to showcase their excellence and brilliance under supervision and guidance, so that their output is within a framework committed to values ​​and authenticity.

Representing the Kingdom in all work that would advance culture and arts at the Arab and international levels, to monitor their movements and coordinate with them.