Visual Arts Commission Marks World Photography Day
Jeddah, August 19, 2025, SPA -- On the occasion of World Photography Day, observed annually on August 19, the Visual Arts Commission, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, works to enrich the field of photography by nurturing the talents of amateurs, practitioners, and professionals. Its initiatives support the production and exhibition of Saudi artworks both locally and internationally, aiming to preserve the Kingdom’s heritage, celebrate its present, and contribute to a future rich in culture and creativity.
World Photography Day marks the invention of the daguerreotype, the first successful photography technology developed in France in 1837 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre. Their creation of the first photographic print paved the way for photography to evolve into a powerful medium for personal expression, memory documentation, and storytelling through the lens.
In the Kingdom, the Visual Arts Commission is committed to empowering visual arts professionals and motivating them to create works that advance the sector and highlight Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the arts. This mission is carried out through a range of programs and initiatives designed to build a sustainable infrastructure for the visual arts.
These initiatives include the Kingdom Photography Award, a prestigious annual prize that celebrates creative photographers and encourages the production of high-quality images showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural diversity as well as its natural and urban landscapes. Open to both amateurs and professionals, the award spans various fields such as nature, portraiture, documentary, and artistic photography. Winners gain opportunities to showcase their work locally and internationally and to participate in specialized training programs and workshops.
Since its launch, the award has attracted more than 2,000 entries and supported over 50 artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world, including Argentina, Egypt, the Philippines, Morocco, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Yemen. This underscores its role as a global platform for celebrating photographic creativity and promoting cultural and knowledge exchange among photographers from diverse backgrounds.
The commission has also forged partnerships with relevant organizations to expand opportunities for Saudi talent and create a vibrant artistic landscape. These collaborations foster innovation, encourage cultural dialogue, and enhance the Kingdom’s growing presence on the international arts scene.
-- SPA
