Saudi Gazette report

DHAHRAN — The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced the highly anticipated second edition of its annual creativity season Tanween. In its first edition, Tanween drew over 64,000 visitors and 4,600 students from Saudi Arabia and beyond to engage with 53 international speakers and 36 talks.

The second edition, set to take place at Ithra during October will host international speakers and guests from around the world as they deliver special talks, seminars, workshops and panels to aspiring professionals from the Kingdom and the region. Similar to the inaugural 2018 edition, Tanween’s second year will also feature interactive art installations, exhibitions, activities and special education and entertainment lineups for family visitors of all ages and interests.

With program offerings aimed at professionals of all levels, curious learners, entrepreneurs as well as family audiences, Tanween connects visitors with world-class speakers, experts, specialists and innovators across different industries from around the globe to introduce creative concepts in an inspiration-fueled environment.

Commenting on the announcement of Tanween 2019, Ithra’s Director Ali Al-Mutairi, said: “Tanween aims to empower the next generation of Saudi creatives and innovators as a catalyst for creative economies and meaningful youth engagement. By bridging Saudi talent with a global community of experts, the initiative provides a global platform introducing new content for new talent and delivers impact to a generation of young learners and creatives. In addition to career progression and mentorship, Tanween introduces new ways of learning, wherein our visitors allow their imagination to play, develop and create within engaging creative spaces. As with last year’s overwhelming Tanween success, Ithra is proud to facilitate an inspiration-fueled environment cementing our position as a creative and cultural destination where innovation is constantly encouraged.”

Tanween 2019 will also feature a new central theme set to develop the imagination and introduce new ways of learning through creative spaces, intelligence technologies and new tools. Attending speakers and guests, schedule of workshops, talks and family activities will be announced at a later date alongside ticketing information.