An Examination of the Integration of Visual Arts within Vision 2030: Art Cultural Transformation in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper examines the role Vision 2030 has played in Saudi Arabia's visual arts sector development. The study examines the impact of the ambitious national plan on cultural policies and the integration of the visual arts as a driver of economic diversification and cultural diplomacy. Through a comprehensive review of historical and contemporary developments, this research identifies how Vision 2030 initiatives, including the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the Visual Arts Commission as well as the establishment of new institutions such as the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra), Misk Art Institute and Diriyah Biennale as well as the Islamic Arts Biennale, have contributed to the development of a dynamic visual arts landscape. This dissertation examines the UAE's strategy for economic diversification through the promotion of culture and the arts. With initiatives such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah Biennial, the UAE has developed its cultural infrastructure, which has contributed to its positioning as a global cultural hub, and cultural projects can support national economic objectives in a variety of ways. Lastly, the findings indicate that Vision 2030 has significantly impacted Saudi Arabia's visual arts sector, promoting cultural exchange, enhancing global recognition, and contributing to economic diversification. While emphasising the importance of integrating modern art practices with the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, the dissertation offers recommendations for expanding arts education and for ensuring sustained cultural growth beyond 2030.