Al-Eisawi Sponsors the 12th Salt Arab International Forum for Visual Arts

The forum, which coincides with the World Tourism Day, and in celebration of the five-year anniversary of the inclusion of Salt City on the UNESCO World Heritage List, aims to highlight the historical, cultural, and heritage legacy of the city, and to enhance its presence on the cultural and tourism map.

Al-Eisawi inaugurated the visual arts exhibition accompanying the forum, held at the Salt Cultural Center, toured its areas, and reviewed the participating artworks reflecting various experiences, styles, and visual schools, and listened to an explanation from the artists and those in charge of the exhibition about the contents, ideas, and artistic and cultural meanings of the works.

In a welcoming speech, Balqa Governorate Culture Director Dr. Mona Al-Saoud said that Jordan is proud of the positions led by His Majesty King Abdullah II in international forums in defense of the homeland and its interests and the issues of the nation, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, pointing to what His Majesty's speech before the United Nations General Assembly included of affirmation of the right, justice, and peace, and supportive positions for the Palestinian people and the people of Gaza.

She added that the holding of the forum in Salt City, coinciding with the five-year anniversary of its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflects the city's historical, cultural, and rooted cultural narrative, noting that visual arts contribute to re-presenting this story in the language of colors and lines, enhancing identity and belonging, and linking creativity to the place.

Al-Saoud emphasized the importance of the participatory approach between cultural institutions and bodies in supporting creativity and preserving the national heritage, pointing out that art forms a bridge of communication between the past and the future, and appreciating the attention given to the culture, arts, and heritage sectors under the Hashemite leadership.

The President of the Balqa Association for Visual Arts, Nadhier Al-Waqa'a, also delivered a speech welcoming the forum's sponsor, attendees, and participants, stressing the importance of the forum in enhancing artistic and cultural activity, and highlighting Salt City with its history, civilization, culture, and heritage.

Al-Waqa'a said that the Balqa Association for Visual Arts, which was established in 1995 under the honorary presidency of HRH Princess Rajwa Bint Ali, has carried since its inception a message of spreading visual arts through organizing exhibitions, training workshops, competitions, visits, and Arab and international forums.

He praised the role of HRH Princess Rajwa Bint Ali in supporting the establishment of the visual arts movement in Salt and Balqa, pointing out that the Salt Arab International Forum for Visual Arts, which is being held this year in its twelfth session, has been able over its sessions to expand its presence locally, regionally, and internationally, and to provide a space for communication and exchange of experiences between artists from different artistic schools and experiences.

Al-Waqa'a valued the efforts of the official, cultural, tourist, and security entities supporting the forum, and their role in supporting the continuity and success of the forum's activities.

The forum features 30 visual artists representing various Jordanian and Arab artistic experiences, including artists from Iraq and Egypt, in addition to artists from various governorates of the Kingdom.

The association chose Jordanian visual artist Essam Al-Silawy as the figure of the forum in its twelfth session, in appreciation of his career and contributions to the visual arts movement.

The forum's program includes organizing visits for participants to the Greater Salt Municipality, and a tour of the city's tourist route to learn about some of its historical and heritage landmarks, while visual artist Muhammad Turki will present a specialized workshop on knife drawing.

The tourist and heritage tours and artistic workshops are part of the forum's program aimed at linking art with the place, and providing an opportunity for artists to learn about the architectural and cultural heritage of Salt, in addition to exchanging artistic experiences and expertise among participants.

The organizers of the celebration honored the President of the Hashemite Royal Court, Yousef Hassan Al-Eisawi, in appreciation of his sponsorship of the forum's activities. A number of artists, participants in the forum's activities, and official, security, and cultural figures were also honored.

The celebration was attended by a number of personalities and notables from Balqa Governorate, in addition to officials and those interested in cultural affairs.