RIYADH: The Saudi Artisanal Co. is taking part in the third edition of the Banan Exhibition, part of Saudi International Handicrafts Week, at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, to boost the local sector.
The event, which began last Thursday and ends on Nov. 26, has been organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission.
It is being held under the patronage of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and brings together local and international artisans to celebrate traditional crafts and cultural exchange.
The Saudi Artisanal Co. is showcasing a range of initiatives aimed at elevating the handicrafts sector, including the signing of an agreement with Kayanee, owned by Princess Reema bint Bandar, to develop culturally-inspired fashion lines.
Speaking to Arab News at the event recently, CEO Ibrahim Al-Nasser explained the goals behind their participation in Banan, one of which is empowering 270 local artisans with business opportunities.
Al-Nasser said: “One of the strategic moves for the company is to activate and unleash new business lines, such as fashion. And we chose Kayanee which is one of the PIF (Public Investment Fund) subsidiaries to start with the fashion business line.”
He added: “It’s the first activation of this collaboration. And then we will develop with them other lines related to fashion.”
The Saudi Artisanal Co. aims to expand its market reach, introduce new initiatives within the crafts sector, and further develop artisanal products.
Al-Nasser explained that it was a two-pronged approach. “The first one is to enable the artisans, and the second one to upgrade the products within the markets within the Kingdom.”
So the participation at Banan is “to make sure we are having the right talent and the right position for a good future” for the development of artisanal products, said Al-Nasser.
The company recently opened a branch at Al-Zalal Mall in Diriyah, to bring products closer to the public. There are branches in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla.
