Jeddah celebrates its history as a cultural hub with exhibitions, markets and music
The historical and cultural richness of Al Balad will be celebrated in Jeddah over the next few weeks.
Running in the district until March 9, Balad Al Fan will remind visitors of the area’s significance as a cultural and trading centre through art exhibitions, music festivals, stage performances and markets.
Translating as The Town, Al Balad is the historical centre of Jeddah and dates back to the seventh century.
Designed as an ancient trading port and gateway for pilgrims visiting Makkah, it is renowned for its labyrinth of streets and alleyways and traditional buildings constructed from coral stones.
With more details to come, here are some of the highlights of Balad Al Fan.
The exhibitions
A number of exhibitions will showcase the region’s rich past and future potential.
Running until March 9 at Shurbatly Annex, Sinbad: I Can See Land explores the notions of home and journey through paintings and multimedia art installations from more than 80 artists. At Beit Nassief, until March 2, students from The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Al Balad will also present their projects and handicrafts inspired by the kingdom’s heritage.
Sculpture and mixed media installations by regional and international artists are included in Matters Through Time. At Shurbatly Annex and Alkhunji Alsagheer, the featured works will encourage visitors to question their notions of connectedness and autonomy.
Hot Cities, from Sunday to March 1 at Beit Aramco, features architectural designs providing clues on how Arab cities could cope with climate change in the future.
The concerts
Balad Al Fan’s music programme began with intimate concerts by electronic music artists El Wailli and Hassan Hujairi, and more gigs are on the way.
The marquee event coming up is the Jeddah Jazz Festival on January 25.
According to organisers, it will highlight the Hijazi
musical mode indigenous to the region, with more than 30 local and international artists set to perform.
Up-and-coming music acts from Jeddah and beyond will also have the chance to show their worth in the Talent Market on February 1.
Small stages will abound with many Saudi artists making their debut live performance.
On stage
Al Balad will be a training ground for the next generation of stage talent.
Improvisation workshops, with a focus on quick-thinking and creative risks will run at Nawar House from January 31 to February 3.
For a well-rounded look at the craft, one-hour acting
workshops will take place at Stage at Mazloom Courtyard on February 1 and 3.
Aspiring comedians and playwrights should also check out the Professional Comedy Workshop, which runs at the same venue on January 31 and February 2.
There, they will be guided on how to present their material with the perfect punch lines.
Arts and crafts
Pieces by Saudi artisans will be on display and available to buy.
Souq Al Balad market will take place on January 14 and Nass Albalad 2, the following day, is called “a celebration” of the artisans that made the district an important cultural centre.