In its 3rd edition, 21,39 Jeddah Art organized an educational program which gives school students the opportunity to visit the "Earth and Ever After" exhibition. The exhibition is being held in Gold Moor Mall in Al-Zahraa district and is organized by the Saudi Art Council as part of the initiative's activities, which includes numerous artistic, cultural and social exhibitions all around Jeddah. The educational program aims to spread artistic awareness among students by enabling them to explore and appreciate the rich art, culture and creativity of their homeland, as well as developing their perception, appreciation and sense of pride toward local art movements. The 10-week program started this February and will continue until May. Until now, the program has been very successful in meeting its objectives and attracting more than 2,000 students from 63 girl schools and 52 boy schools. During their visit to the exhibition, students were welcomed by a group of trained male and female guides who accompanied them through the tour. Transportation and meals were provided by the Saudi Art Council. A member of the Education Committee, reiterated that the Saudi Art Council believes that familiarizing oneself with art and culture should start at a young age, to become an inspiration to young artists and to add to the Kingdom's productive art scene, which is known for its vibrancy, quality and the intellectual and expressive depth it holds, thanks to the great efforts exerted by Saudi artists. The exhibition welcomes an average of six schools per day. Students are escorted on an hour long tour with the guides explaining the artwork and taking their comments and questions. As part of the 21,39 Jeddah Art Initiative, the Saudi Art Council organized a number of free workshops and lectures presented by a group of artists and professors during March and April. The workshops and lectures give school and university students the opportunity to participate and are facilitated by the Saudi Art Council's Education Committee, which includes Sarah Ali Reda, Nawaf Al-Nassar and Sarah Binladen. 21,39 Jeddah Arts is an annual event held in Jeddah presenting the narrative of art throughout the Kingdom. The 3rd edition continues to highlight the history of the Kingdom's modern and contemporary art movements while encouraging further public, private and institutional investment in support of the arts and Saudi artists. Taking its title from the city's geographical coordinates, this event offers an exclusive program of exhibitions, educational workshops, seminars and initiatives for the conservation and revival of Jeddah's old town, Al-Balad. – SG
