JEDDAH: To honour the friendship and cultural cooperation between French and Saudi artists, the French Consulate General in Jeddah recently held a celebration at the French Residence. The second Islamic Arts Biennale’s opening week fell during the event. Among the esteemed guests were artists and important collaborators involved in the biennale, as well as Jack Lang, the former French minister of culture and president of the Institut du Monde Arabe (The Arab World Institute).
“The Biennale of Islamic Art is a pivotal moment for France,” Mohammed Nehad, the French consul general in Jeddah, told Arab News of the significance of the biennale as a pillar of cross-cultural cooperation. We have a strong commitment to fostering collaborations between French and Saudi artists. By bringing these innovative minds together, our event creates a special conversation.
“With Mr. Lang, a cultural visionary, in attendance and prominent organisations like the Louvre and Centre Pompidou, this event highlights our commitment to growing collaboration.” He also highlighted projects, including as plans to host a significant exhibition honouring Jeddah’s ancient quarter, Al-Balad, in Paris.
“Showcasing Al-Balad’s rich heritage in Paris is our dream,” he stated. We have already allowed French artists to reside in Saudi Arabia, especially in the Asir region, and welcomed Saudi artists in France, some of whom are here for this biennale. Both countries benefit from this cultural exchange, which also deepens our relationship.
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