Resources

Public Knowledge and Field Sources

A curated list of reports, research sites, and field references for those working in creativity, culture, and adjacent sectors. These resources offer material to support planning, strategy, and place-based work.

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External Links

Field Research in Saudi

Ithra – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture: Library, exhibition halls, film archives, artist residencies, and extensive cultural programming.

Aramco Heritage Gallery: An insider’s look into Aramco’s historic development and Saudi oil-era culture.

Dammam Arts Group – SASCA: Local art, theatre, and film programs, often tied to broader Gulf arts scenes.

Tarout Island Historical Sites: One of the oldest inhabited areas in Saudi Arabia. Open ruins, local museums, and oral histories.

Local Museums: Small-scale heritage museums showcasing history and material culture.

National Museum: Saudi Arabia’s national archive of history, artifacts, pre-Islamic culture, and national unification.

King Abdulaziz Historical Center: Home to libraries, public archives, and a history museum. Often used for civic memory work.

King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives: Research institution preserving Saudi historical records, maps, photographs, and oral histories.

Al Tayebat Museum: A private museum with thousands of items tracing Hijazi culture, architecture, crafts, and heritage.

Historic Jeddah: A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excellent for architectural studies, urban culture, and oral history.

Red Sea Film Festival Archives: For those exploring media, cinema, and cultural narrative through film.

AlMashtal Community House: A member-based space offering a reference library, cultural programs, and sector-specific resources.

Cultural House – Altaawun Public Library: A Creative space offering access to books, reading areas, and free community workshops. Designed for quiet work, cultural engagement, and open learning.

Cultural Reports & Sector Publications

Status of Culture Report 2023: An official publication by the Ministry of Culture detailing the state of culture in Saudi Arabia for the year 2023.

Vision 2030 Annual Report 2023: Tracks Saudi Arabia’s national development progress, including key metrics on cultural institutions, programs, and participation.

Charting the Transformation – Ithra: A detailed study of Saudi Arabia’s evolving creative economy and cultural engagement patterns.

Culture in the 21st Century – Ithra: A research report on cultural consumption across the MENA region, with specific insights into Saudi Arabia’s cultural behaviors.

Ithra Annual Report 2023: Highlights key programs, partnerships, and public engagement efforts from one of the country’s most influential cultural institutions.

Ministry of Culture Annual Report 2023: Outlines national strategy, program execution, and cross-sector collaborations led by the Ministry.

Creative Economy Outlook 2024 – UNCTAD: A global report that provides context for how creative sectors are measured and valued internationally, with insights applicable to Saudi policy development.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Early Signs of Success: Official media summary confirming cultural milestones and institutional progress under the national vision.

Global Perceptions 2023 – British Council: Tracks how young adults around the world perceive other nations, useful for cultural diplomacy framing.

A Cultural Relations Approach to Development – British Council: A report on how culture intersects with development work, relevant for strategy and international collaboration.