According to a government survey, Saudi Arabia's resilient cultural sector "flourished" and became a "unifying power" during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the numerous problems faced by the global health crisis, the Ministry of Culture of the country had a fruitful year.

In the report, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said that although the sector faced unprecedented challenges last year, it also created interesting possibilities. The Saudi people have a strong belief in their country's cultural vision, and they have worked hard over the last year to make that vision a reality. He noted that as the industry sought inspiration within itself, it was confronted with "extensive artistic talent" and "innovative adaptability."

“The cultural sector is a testament to the vitality of the Saudi Vision 2030,” the minister said. The Kingdom is committed to preserving and upholding its cultural heritage. Our journey together will undoubtedly prosper as we are proud of our culture.”

The ministry stated that a transition toward digitalization of various industries was already underway in the country before the start of the pandemic. The virus epidemic has accelerated the speed of digital transformation, increasing its significance.

Following the implementation of health and safety restrictions to halt the spread of COVID-19, a burgeoning cultural scene emerged in cyberspace. As the world adapted to hosting activities online, with exhibits and conferences held on specialized digital platforms and students attending classes from their homes, the ministry saw an opportunity to accelerate the digitalization process.

Highlights

• The Year of Arabic Calligraphy has been extended until 2021 to ensure that the importance of the case is not overshadowed.

• Al-Khattat, a website, was established to provide Saudis with opportunities to learn new talents.

• By the fourth quarter of 2020, the apparel industry had recovered as sanctions were lifted, and sales had risen to more than SR9 billion.

• The Music Commission was also founded by the Ministry of Culture.

Executive decisions were made to safeguard the Kingdom's cultural climate from the pandemic's worst effects. Thousands of Saudis in lockdown were able to learn new creative skills or brush up on old ones. Thanks to the website Al-Khattat (the calligrapher), which was developed with the ministry's help and offered free access to an entire collection of calligraphy images.

Marwan Al-Ajami, a calligrapher, said, "Al-Khattat was the highlight of my lockdown." I gained new skills that I put to good use in expanding my portfolio.

The COVID-19 crisis-affected several cultural activities, including film festivals. The sixth Saudi Film Festival was broadcast live on YouTube, and the first Red Sea International Film Festival, which was scheduled for March of last year, was canceled.

The Saudi film industry did have some bright spots, with films like the Godus brothers' "Shams Al-Ma'arif" ("The Book of Sun") debuting in July after the lockdowns were lifted and people were able to attend movie screenings again.

Last year, the apparel industry was one of the biggest losers, as preventive public health initiatives resulted in a 46 percent decline in industrial production. Revenues from clothing and shoe sales fell to a low of SR5 billion. As sanctions were lifted, the industry started to recover, and by the fourth quarter, takings had risen to more than SR9 billion.

Theater productions experienced a substantial setback last year, with just 68 performances compared to 169 by the same groups in 2019. Many actors, screenwriters, directors, and producers found themselves forced to concentrate their attention on virtual events and online workshops.

Online courses in performing arts were taught by Hadeel Mufti, theatre coordinator at the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). In July, she told Arab News, "This is a dream that today's youth can strive toward."

The Music Commission was created by the Ministry of Culture to grow and regulate the music industry, for amateur and self-trained musicians.

Music-related careers were recently formally accepted by the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations, making it easier for the country's musicians to obtain training and pursue a career in the field.