Introduction
The Saudi Arabian government significantly controls the major economic activities in the country. These activities are dominated by petroleum production since the country possesses 18-percent of the world’s functional oil reserves. The Saudi Arabian art industry has also gained significant popularity. Nevertheless, it has experienced slow growth due to the government’s reluctance to establish proper plan for expansion of the art industry. However, private sector organizations and individuals who possess passion for art have contributed greatly to the growth of the art industry. This report explores market readiness for art gallery in Saudi Arabia.
The Role of Jeddah Municipality in Expansion of Saudis Art Market
Jeddah is a port city that is greatly recognized as an art city. Numerous Saudi Arabian private enterprises recognize the city as a center for arts. In addition, various international and local artists have been assembling in Jeddah City to display their artworks in organized exhibitions. Art exhibition in Saudi Arabia has grown at an exponential rate of 5-percent in the last ten years. Saudi Arabia has had a gradual exposure to the global art market. As a result, Jeddah has gained international recognition (Determann, 2009).
According to Long (2005), Jeddah municipality plays a major role to ensure that art exhibitions and showcases remain functional, regardless of economic and market fluctuations. During the 1970s, the mayor commissioned both local and international sculptures that were funded by the private sector. However, these sculptures are being returned to preserve their esteemed original state. The market for artwork has been expanding at a considerably high rate of 5-percent in the recent past.
Apparently, Saudi locals have showed great enthusiasm in both creation and purchase of artwork that is organized in regular exhibitions. For many centuries, Saudi locals have been involved in artworks such as weaving, art decorations, and furniture making. The Saudi also preserve the Arabic literature that has remained a part of their livelihoods. As a result, the market of the art pieces that are made by the locals has increased over the recent past.
Sale of Artwork through Exhibitions
Saudi Arabia has the potential to improve the state of art exhibitions. The Australian government has encouraged establishment of art galleries and art schools to promote Saudi art and culture. In the next 5 years, the Saudi government is expected to boost the development of the art market with over 2 trillion dollars (Determann, 2009). The author reveals that the number of local Saudis who have learned Arts and Design courses has increased by 12-percent in the past few years.
These efforts have put a gloss in the artwork of the Arabian Peninsula. Increasing art trade fairs and exhibitions in numerous Saudi Arabian cities imply that artwork is greatly accepted by the Saudi locals. The art market has gained significant recognition in the past decade. This situation has led to its expansion to major Saudi Arabian cities. Therefore, art is slowly being recognized as an economic activity. Indeed, research indicates that 7-percent of the Saudi locals earn a livelihood from the artwork (Khan, 2008).
Conclusion
In conclusion, artwork and cultural activities in Saudi Arabia have steadily increased. Art popularity has increased by about 8-percent in the last 5 years. This increase is due to the linkage that exists between the art and cultural beliefs of the Saudis. Appreciation of art and cultural works in form of music and plays has sustained the growth of art and design. As a result, both Saudis and foreigners have invested in the sector owing to impending expansion of the art industry in the near future.
Reference List
Determann, M. (2009). Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from Saudi Arabia. Middle East Journal of Culture & Communication, 2(1), 171-75.
Khan, M. (2008). Symbolism in the Rock Art of Saudi Arabia: Hand and Footprints. Rock Art Research: The Journal of the Australian Rock Art Research Association (AURA), 25(1), 13-22.
Long, D. (2005). Culture and Customs of Saudi Arabia. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.