The ‘Two Kingdoms’ initiative, launched by Saudi Arabia’s Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) to celebrate the rich shared artistic legacy between the Kingdom and the United Kingdom, made significant strides over the weekend. Following a series of immersive events which took place in the capitals of both nations, Riyadh and London, fostering cross-cultural exchange and dialogue through traditional artistic practices.

Following highly successful workshops in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the campaign made its way to London for Crafted in the UK’s “London Craft Week”. The woodcraft workshop at the Victoria & Albert Museum drew significant interest, with renowned artist Jan Hendzel providing insights into traditional Saudi woodworking techniques and even participating in the craft process.

The cross-cultural exchange returned to Riyadh, where on 18^th May, British artist Harriet Frances held an immersive jewellery embroidery workshop at Wrth headquarters. The session was conceived to empower local Saudi artists and artisans by introducing them to new cultural traditions, while continuing to foster greater artistic understanding between the two kingdoms.

The ‘Two Kingdoms’ initiative by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) celebrated the shared artistic heritage between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, culminated impressively this past week. Events were held in the capitals of both kingdoms, Riyadh and London, facilitating a cultural exchange through traditional artistic practices. The timing coincided opportunely with World Cultural Diversity Day on 21^st May, lending further resonance to the campaign’s core tenet of paying tribute to the deep-rooted artistic legacies that define both nations.

By providing platforms for artists to share their skills and for audiences to experience different cultural art forms, Wrth hopes to inspire creative dialogues that transcend borders. The “Two Kingdoms” initiative reinforces the Institute’s commitment to authentically representing Saudi Arabia’s heritage while championing global cultural exchange.

As the campaign concluded, its clear success paves the way for more such opportunities to connect nations through their intertwined artistic legacies in the future.

The “Two Kingdoms” campaign was run in conjunction with World Cultural Diversity Day on 21^st May, which reinforces Wrth’s mission to preserve traditional arts worldwide while empowering the artists who practice them.

For over 30 years, Wrth has played a leading role in promoting Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural heritage through traditional arts education, exhibitions, and global exchange programs. The Institute contributes to the dissemination and global recognition of traditional arts, drawing attention to the shared human values between all peoples regardless of their languages, cultures, and different customs.

Wrth remains committed to authentically representing the Kingdom’s rich legacy, supporting and nurturing emerging local talent as well as encouraging those interested in learning, mastering, and developing them.