The agreement reflects the Kingdom’s long-term vision to strengthen cultural industries and provide world-class opportunities for emerging musicians.

Signed in Riyadh by Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, and Guido Zimmermann, president of Steinway & Sons EMEA, the partnership marks a milestone in the development of Saudi Arabia’s music sector.

It underscores the nation’s commitment to building an ecosystem that nurtures artistic skill, cultivates creativity and attracts global industry leaders.

The collaboration aims to empower local talent through advanced musical training, professional development and increased access to premium musical instruments.

By bringing international expertise together with local ambition, the initiative strengthens the Kingdom’s plan to build a dynamic and sustainable music market.

The agreement will also support artistic education programs and contribute to long-term commercial and cultural investment.

These efforts align with the broader cultural transformation underway in Saudi Arabia, which emphasizes growth, innovation and global engagement.

A key element of the partnership includes exploring apprenticeship programs for piano technicians, offering specialized training in an area essential for performance and instrument care.

Such programs will open doors for new career paths and raise technical standards within the Kingdom’s growing music industry.

The partners will also work together on Music Commission events and initiatives, encouraging high-quality participation while linking musicians to cultural, educational and retail partners across Saudi Arabia.

This network-driven approach is designed to expand professional opportunities and enhance the presence of music in community and national life.

Paul Pacifico highlighted the power of the partnership, noting that the combination of global experience and local creativity will create a strong foundation for education and performance.

He emphasized that developing talent is central to shaping a thriving music economy capable of attracting investment and supporting long-term cultural progress.

Pacifico also stressed that the Commission’s mission is broader than talent development alone, as it seeks to build a music market that encourages business growth, supports practitioners and inspires audiences nationwide.

The agreement with Steinway & Sons reflects this vision by connecting international craftsmanship with Saudi innovation.

Guido Zimmermann praised the Kingdom’s cultural evolution and expressed enthusiasm about contributing to its musical journey.

He described the partnership as a meaningful commitment to education, artistic excellence and the advancement of music-making in Saudi Arabia.

Zimmermann emphasized that Saudi Arabia is entering a remarkable phase of cultural development, with music emerging as a vital part of the nation’s creative identity.

The collaboration aims to strengthen that identity further by supporting young musicians and enhancing access to global standards of training and performance.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in creative industries, partnerships like this reinforce its position as a cultural hub within the region.

Music plays a growing role in community life, education and the national vision for artistic expression.

The agreement demonstrates how international cooperation can accelerate cultural transformation while honoring local traditions and aspirations.

By investing in both talent and craftsmanship, the initiative lays a foundation for a vibrant and self-sustaining music sector.

With strategic collaborations, new training pathways and access to premium musical instruments, Saudi Arabia’s music ecosystem is poised for rapid growth.

The partnership with Steinway & Sons represents a strong step toward a future where creativity thrives and musicians flourish across the Kingdom.

The festival, curated by Mami Kataoka, Li Zhenhua, and Sara Almutlaq, will feature 60 unique artworks by 59 artists from 24 different nationalities, including 35 newly commissioned pieces. This impressive lineup showcases the unity of artistic expression and highlights Riyadh’s rise as an international destination for creativity and innovation.

Festival Director Nouf Almoneef emphasized that Noor Riyadh is defined by the talent and vision of its artists, who use light as a universal language to connect cultures and inspire dialogue. The event aims to immerse visitors in interactive experiences that merge tradition with modern technology, transforming public spaces into glowing symbols of inspiration.

Among the standout installations is “Scenes of a Matrimony,” a special tribute to the late Safeya Binzagr, a pioneer of Saudi modern art and the first female Saudi artist to hold a solo exhibition in 1968. Her inclusion celebrates her legacy and the evolution of female artistry in the Kingdom.

Renowned international artists such as Michelangelo Pistoletto, James Clar, Ivana Franke, Monira Al-Qadiri, and Muhannad Shono will also contribute pieces that explore the role of light as both a medium and a metaphor for transformation. According to Kataoka, the festival’s curatorial lead, light represents change, beauty, and perception, offering audiences a moment of reflection amid the fast pace of modern life.

Noor Riyadh 2025 will unfold across six key locations in the capital — Qasr Al-Hokm District, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, stc Metro Station, KAFD Metro Station, Al-Faisaliah Tower, and JAX District. Each venue will offer a distinctive atmosphere where contemporary art meets the city’s historical and architectural landmarks, connecting Riyadh’s rich heritage with its futuristic ambitions.

The festival operates under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, both dedicated to transforming Riyadh into one of the world’s most vibrant and creative cities. Riyadh Art has already brought more than 550 artworks to the public by over 500 Saudi and international artists, engaging millions of residents and visitors in shared artistic experiences. Noor Riyadh continues this mission by fostering creativity, cultural dialogue, and community connection.

The full list of participating artists reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, with creators hailing from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, France, the United States, South Korea, Germany, and beyond. This fusion of local and international talent reinforces the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global art scene.

As Riyadh continues to evolve under Vision 2030, Noor Riyadh stands as a shining example of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural development, innovation, and artistic excellence. The festival not only celebrates the beauty of light but also symbolizes the illumination of minds and hearts through art.

Each installation and performance will offer visitors an immersive experience, blending architecture, emotion, and technology into a radiant celebration of creativity. Noor Riyadh 2025 promises to inspire, connect, and transform — turning the city into a glowing masterpiece that celebrates imagination, diversity, and the boundless power of art.

The sixth edition of the forum, held recently at Riyadh Schools in Misk under the theme “Arts Reshaping the World: Social Responsibility of Cultural Institutions,” brought together artists, curators, scholars, and cultural practitioners from across the globe to explore how cultural institutions can drive social responsibility and creative sustainability.

Reem Al-Sultan, CEO of the Misk Art Institute, emphasized the forum’s role in fostering new ideas and cross-cultural conversations.

“Cultural institutions are active participants in shaping identity and collective memory, but they are also agents of change,” she said.

“By convening pioneering voices from across the region and beyond, the Creative Forum 2025 kindles new cultural conversations and highlights innovative approaches to cultural and social responsibility.”

The two-day program featured over 15 panel discussions, talks, and networking events, covering a wide spectrum of topics.

Among the sessions, “Building Art World Legacy Through Archiving,” led by Basmah Al-Shathry, the institute’s lead curator, examined the challenges and opportunities of documenting Saudi art history.

Shathry noted that while archival resources are still developing, initiatives like this forum are crucial for preserving the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and making it accessible for future generations.

Another session, “Margins are the Main Text,” explored the transformative power of art and its role in amplifying underrepresented voices.

Noor Salame, CEO and founder of Kaph Books, spoke about creating a publishing platform rooted in the region with international distribution.

“Our goal is to have our voices heard worldwide, showcasing what is happening in the region’s art scene,” she said. “We were once on the margins, and now our conversations are becoming central. We are archiving, documenting, and sharing our vision with the world.”

The forum also featured a presentation by Abdulrahman Gazzaz, co-founder of architecture studio BrickLab, on documenting the gentrification of Riyadh’s Al-Rawdah neighborhood, highlighting how art and design intersect with social and urban development.

Additionally, workshops and informal discussion sessions allowed participants to engage directly with industry leaders, including photographer Omar Ashour, art adviser Myrna Ayad, and artists Ayman Dayban and Rashid Alsubaie.

Since its launch in 2020, the Misk Creative Forum has hosted nearly 200 speakers from more than 20 countries and welcomed over 14,000 attendees.

The forum has steadily grown into a major platform for cross-cultural dialogue, networking, and creative development, supporting the institute’s mission to empower creativity and foster inclusivity.

Al-Sultan highlighted the importance of showcasing homegrown talent alongside international perspectives, stating that the forum not only amplifies Saudi voices but also encourages meaningful global engagement.

The event demonstrates how cultural institutions can serve as catalysts for both artistic innovation and social impact.

By connecting local creators with global thinkers and practitioners, the Misk Creative Forum strengthens the region’s cultural ecosystem and helps Saudi Arabia share its rich artistic heritage with the world.

Through discussions, workshops, and panels, the forum emphasizes that creativity is not only an avenue for personal expression but also a tool for shaping society, inspiring dialogue, and promoting understanding across borders.

Overall, the Misk Creative Forum 2025 reflects the growing importance of cultural institutions in fostering social responsibility, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

It highlights how art and creativity can bridge communities, promote inclusivity, and provide a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.

As the forum continues to expand, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for cultural dialogue and demonstrates the transformative power of the arts in shaping a more connected and understanding world

His remarks came during an event at the University of Westminster on October 17, which included a special screening of “Rewriting Arab News,” a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Saudi newspaper and its digital transformation.

Vaizey emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration between nations, describing culture as “the soul of the country.”

He noted that cultural investment brings both economic and social benefits, praising Saudi Arabia for taking a proactive approach to fostering its creative sector.

“For someone who has been a culture minister in the UK, where it is often a challenge to communicate the value of culture, seeing Saudi Arabia make culture a core part of Vision 2030 is remarkable,” he said.

The event included a panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas and University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Dibyesh Anand.

Vaizey highlighted Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion creative industries sector, projected to contribute 3 percent of GDP and grow to $48 billion by 2030.

He described it as one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors and a significant opportunity for international collaboration, particularly with the UK.

Vaizey also discussed his ongoing involvement in projects linking British and Saudi cultural initiatives, including work with the cultural consulting firm BOP, Riyadh-based arts organization Edge of Arabia, and the Saudi-UK Creative Forum.

He stressed the importance of bringing changemakers from both countries together on an equal footing to share ideas and foster innovation.

“Saudi Arabia has the potential to offer valuable lessons to cultural institutions worldwide on innovation and creative development,” he noted.

During the event, Vaizey reflected on his recent visit to the inaugural Cultural Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on culture as a driver of economic growth.

He said, “By investing in culture, Saudi Arabia is strengthening not only its economy but also the identity and vitality of its society.

The Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is an economically and culturally dynamic region, and it is inspiring to witness this ambition and confidence.”

University of Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dibyesh Anand highlighted the role of universities in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

He noted the challenges faced by institutions in navigating global tensions while promoting diversity, open dialogue, and mutual respect. Anand said the university aims to equip students with the skills to navigate complexity while maintaining respect for differing perspectives.

Abbas, a 2009 Westminster graduate, spoke about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an outward-looking plan requiring international partnerships.

He emphasized the value of knowledge transfer and collaboration in areas ranging from cultural industries to technology and energy.

Abbas also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role in regional and global affairs, citing efforts to mediate conflicts and promote stability as integral to both economic and societal development.

Looking ahead, Abbas shared plans for Arab News’ new AI-powered translation system, developed with regional startup CAMB.AI.

The platform will allow the newspaper to publish content in 50 languages, reaching nearly 80 percent of the global population, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and international engagement.

The event, attended by academics, students, diplomats, and professionals from the UK and Arab world, underscored the growing cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.