The Al Mansouria Foundation for Culture and Creativity is a non-profit organization dedicated to promote the art and culture of Saudi Arabia. It searches for excellence in Saudi art forms and is seriously committed to celebrating the unique Saudi perspective.

Established by Her Royal Highness, PRINCESS JAWAHER BINT MAJED BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD, it supports creativity in the kingdom. Its aim is to build bridges of communication between Saudi artists and the general public. Their philosophy is that of a genuine art patron: the full creative expression of artists cannot be realized without support. Al Mansouria helps the vision of these creatives to be fulfilled and made accessible to the public.

If there is one thing the foundation strongly believes in, it is that art is a universal language. For it to be heard, they offer artists a platform to communicate their work to the world – enthusiastically reaching out to other cultures to set up a dialogue and share common ground. The global contemporary art movement is invited to participate in their exciting and open-minded events.

Since 1998, Al Mansouria has sponsored an impressive number of exhibitions in diverse locations from Korea to Paris to Cairo, in galleries and art fairs. A series of art books has also been published, which is intended to build up a complete encyclopedia of Saudi contemporary art. These catalogs are true traveling exhibitions of the kingdom’s art forms – all of them are luxuriously enriched with color plates, illustrations and artworks – and are meant to establish and enrich Saudi Arabia’s national artistic library.

Another remarkable initiative of the foundation is the Al Mansouria Atelier at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. The studio, purchased in 2001, is located in the oldest part of this famous art city – fulfilling the endeavor of building bridges between world cultures. In this great center of artistic expression, the Cité Internationale des Arts plays an active role in the blossoming of the arts and the promotion of new artistic forms.

Many talented artists from around the world have gathered at the centre over the years, maintaining and fostering its artistic principles. Thanks to the Foundation, visiting Saudi artists now have the opportunity to work, discuss and exchange ideas and expertise in the Atelier. The most talented artists of their generation will be selected to become residents – an amazing opportunity to practice their art in this vibrant capital. The program offers them the experience of the dynamic interchange of the city’s cultural wealth and diversity. As a vital element in their artistic development and in this ideal location, these gifted artists will be exposed to not only Parisian, but other world visions as well. Sounds like mission accomplished – exactly what the Al Mansouria Foundation set out to achieve.

Written by Siska Lyssens