The Social Development Bank has launched the ‘Asir: Craftsmanship Celebration’ as part of the ‘Asir is More Beautiful’ Diwaniya, in strategic partnership with the Italian Institute of Contemporary Art (IICA).
The initiative aims to empower craftsmen and freelancers in the Asir region, with a focus on artistic jewelry design and production. The event offers specialized training in creating handicrafts using copper and gold leaf, reflecting national identity while aligning with contemporary artistic trends.
According to the statement, it draws inspiration from local cultural heritage, particularly the Asir al-Qatt art, to reimagine traditional techniques in a modern context, capturing the spirit and cultural uniqueness of the region.
This initiative intends to enhance participants’ technical and production skills in metal forming and professional techniques, ensuring they can produce high-quality pieces that meet market demands. Additionally, it seeks to transform these skills into sustainable economic opportunities by enabling participants to design and implement marketable models for the hospitality, hotel, and luxury gift sectors.
As per the statement, the event serves as a key interactive track within this training program, linking productive families and self-employed individuals with investors, and enhancing the integration of crafts and tourism in the Aseer region. This highlights the crucial role of handicrafts in the tourism experience and the importance of self-employment in the local hospitality sector.
Social Development Bank and Italian Institute of Contemporary Art Agreement
The event witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Social Development Bank and the Italian Institute of Contemporary Art, one of the world’s leading institutes specializing in contemporary craft design and artistic jewelry making.
This agreement is part of the bank’s efforts to expand its international partnerships and aims to transfer global expertise to the local market by offering specialized training programs in several regions of the Kingdom, supporting the empowerment of productive groups, and enhancing their competitiveness.
