the arabic calligrapghy and handicraft competitions

مسابقة الخط العربي

والحرف اليدوية

Brief Description

"Your Creativity Revives Albalad" is a competition aimed at revitalizing the historic district of Al-Balad in Jeddah through contemporary art. Participants are invited to showcase their skills in handicrafts, sculpture, and calligraphy, blending modern creativity with traditional heritage. This initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Al-Balad while inspiring community pride and active preservation efforts.

Start Date: Sunday 16 March 2025

End Date: Friday 24 April 2025

Submission: Final works must be submitted through the online application form before the submission deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Eligibility: 16+ Saudi-based (Saudi & Non-Saudi) artisans with a background in craftsmanship or calligraphy, and amateurs willing to work.

Category guidelines

category 1: cube (handicraft)

  • Theme: Redoing the famous cubes of Al-Balad pavements and pedestrian areas, reimagining them in an artistic way.

  • Size Guidelines (Compulsory):

    • Length and Width: 9.3 cm

    • Height: 8 cm

  • Materials and crafts

    Participants may use any of the following crafts and materials not limited too:

    • Painting

    • Coloring

    • Sculpturing

    • Carving

    • Resin or Epoxy

    • Wood

    • Metal

  • Deliverable list:

    • Artist bio and brief

    • Artwork description

    • Video of the participant making the cube

    • Photos of the cube form different angels. “Top view is the most important”

    • List of the material used

    • If the cube is nominated, the participant is required to deliver it to Zawiya 97 office in Al Balad

  • Note: Participants are encouraged to get creative with their choice of materials, but the size guidelines must be adhered to.

Category 2: Calligraphy

  • Theme: Write the words "ماء سبيل"in all available fonts of Arabic calligraphy and shapes, "ماء سبيل"translates to "Water of Generosity" in English. It often refers to public water fountains or places where water is made available for free, especially for people in need. The phrase conveys the concept of charity or public service in providing water for passersby.

  • Requirement:

    • The work must be made entirely by the artist themselves.

    • The artist must present their own unique interpretation of the phrase using Arabic calligraphy styles.

  • Deliverable list:

    • Artist bio and brief

    • Artwork description

    • Video of the participant writing the words

    • Photo of the artwork

    • Digital copy of the artwork

    • If the artwork is nominated the participant is required to deliver it to Zawiya 97 office in Al Balad.