Saudi Arabia
to the United Kingdom
The Crossway Foundation selected 11 winners following a nationwide search for artists, photographers and filmmakers in Saudi Arabia. Ahmed, Basmah, Mario, Mohammed, Nahla, Nasser, Norah, Nouf, Salwa, Sarah and Tahani travelled to the UK from 1-16 July 2012 on the creative journey of a lifetime.
The winners were invited to explore why creativity is important for society, both socially and economically. Working in photography, painting and mixed media, the team spent a great deal of time working with professional artists during the trip, who really highlighted the importance of working hard and building up skills they can turn into careers in the future.
Through visits to leading cultural institutions such as Tate Modern, The Victoria & Albert Museum and The British Museum, art galleries such as White Cube and a range of artist studios such as Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj and Islamic art specialist Adam Williamson, the winners were given an insight into the UK’s creative scene both in London and in Cornwall. Collaborating with young Londoners, including youth group, Mile End Community Project, the team worked on their own creative project ‘Hash Tag’, documenting their creative journey and the links between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The winners’ artwork was on display in the British Museum‘s Addis Gallery for the duration of the Museum’s Hajj exhibition and was subsequently displayed at the Arab British Centre in London.
All films from the Journey to the UK are available to view by clicking here.
"I have been associated with Saudi Arabia for 24 years, and have never come across this degree of exhilirating and interesting work before. I loved the energy and joy of the students, and the chance you have given them to release it. They really give me such hope for the future of the Kingdom."
Virginia Forbes, Advisor to HRH Prince Turki al Faisal
Saudi Arabia
to the United Kingdom
The Crossway Foundation selected 11 winners following a nationwide search for artists, photographers and filmmakers in Saudi Arabia. Ahmed, Basmah, Mario, Mohammed, Nahla, Nasser, Norah, Nouf, Salwa, Sarah and Tahani travelled to the UK from 1-16 July 2012 on the creative journey of a lifetime.
The winners were invited to explore why creativity is important for society, both socially and economically. Working in photography, painting and mixed media, the team spent a great deal of time working with professional artists during the trip, who really highlighted the importance of working hard and building up skills they can turn into careers in the future.
Through visits to leading cultural institutions such as Tate Modern, The Victoria & Albert Museum and The British Museum, art galleries such as White Cube and a range of artist studios such as Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj and Islamic art specialist Adam Williamson, the winners were given an insight into the UK’s creative scene both in London and in Cornwall. Collaborating with young Londoners, including youth group, Mile End Community Project, the team worked on their own creative project ‘Hash Tag’, documenting their creative journey and the links between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The winners’ artwork was on display in the British Museum‘s Addis Gallery for the duration of the Museum’s Hajj exhibition and was subsequently displayed at the Arab British Centre in London.
All films from the Journey to the UK are available to view by clicking here.
"I have been associated with Saudi Arabia for 24 years, and have never come across this degree of exhilirating and interesting work before. I loved the energy and joy of the students, and the chance you have given them to release it. They really give me such hope for the future of the Kingdom."
Virginia Forbes, Advisor to HRH Prince Turki al Faisal
