JEDDAH — Prince Mishaal Bin Abdullah, Governor of Makkah Region, honored on Wednesday night during the official inauguration of Jeddah Open Museum along Jeddah corniche, Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI) for its efforts in adopting the task of maintaining and restoring sculptures in roundabouts and streets of Jeddah, as well as those along Jeddah corniche. Through this initiative, ALJCI restored over 26 sculptures created by world-renowned artists, and contracted with international companies specialized in restoration of antiquities and museums. Fadi Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, President of ALJCI International, said, “We feel very proud to present this project to our beloved Jeddah and its citizens.” He pointed out that the project required major efforts inside and outside the Kingdom by attracting international companies specialized in the preservation of monuments and statues aesthetic. He added: “The efforts made by ALJCI stems from its national and social responsibility, and is seeking to contribute in protection of the sculptures that has become a feature of Jeddah and added during the past years a sense of beauty to corniche and roundabouts in the city. However, after many years, the sculptures needed restoration and re-distribution, based on its locations, sizes and shapes.” Sculptures include works by prominent international artists, such as, Henry Moore (UK), Victor Vazarelly and Cesar Baldicini (France), Joan Miro (Spain), Alexander Calder (US), Jane ARB (Germany), Lafuente (Italy), and Arab artists, e.g. Mustafa Sunbul (Egypt) and Rabi'a Al Akhras (Syria). “We hope this Museum will help maintain the historical and artistic value of the artworks, and will also give citizens and visitors of Jeddah corniche an opportunity to enjoy this valuable collection of artworks,” he said. Commissioned by ALJCI, Edward Booth, a renowned British writer, will write a special book about the sculptures, assisted by the Saudi researcher Mariam Blodeng. Dr. Ahmed Matir, the well-known Saudi artist, will be responsible for the photography of the sculptures. In addition, Richard Charles Duebel will prepare a special documentary about the sculptures.
