By MD RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS
RIYADH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal received on Tuesday the National Order of the Montenegrin Grand Star in recognition of his longstanding contribution to furthering cultural, artistic and educational understanding between Europe and Saudi Arabia.
The medal was presented by the President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic, at a function held at the King Faisal Palace in Riyadh.
The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Prince Turki Al-Faisal; Montenegro Culture, Sports and Media Minister Branislave Micunovic; Director of the King Faisal Foundation, Prince Bandar Al-Saud; Chairman of Painting & Patronage, Anthony Bailey; and King Faisal International Prize winners who came to receive their awards at Tuesday’s King Faisal International Prize
ceremony.
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, a renowned artist, displayed his first exhibition of oil paintings and gouaches in 1985 at Al-Khozama Center in Riyadh.
“The award is being given to Prince Khaled for his outstanding contribution to art, culture and education,” said Vujanovic, adding that he hopes this will herald new relations with the Kingdom.
Accepting the award, Prince Khaled said he was honored to receive the award from Montenegro’s president himself. “Art and culture creates relationships between humans,” he said.
The award comes under the Painting and Patronage Program established by Prince Khaled under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
Formed in 1999, with its founding Chairman Bailey, the organization funds exchange programs and organizes artistic summer schools and outreach programs as well as exhibitions for Saudi and European artists. Previous programs have taken place in several countries including the UK and Portugal.
“This is yet another illustration of the high regard of the lifetime achievements of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal,” said Bailey. “Painting and Patronage Program looks forward to engaging with its artistic community in the years to come,” he said.
After the awards ceremony, Vujanovic and other dignitaries were given a tour of Alfaisal University, which is located in the grounds of King Faisal Palace. The visiting president and his delegation met with Alfaisal University officials Ronald Bulbulian, acting provost, Ala Al-Bakri, vice president for accreditation and quality assurance, and Princess Maha bint Mishari, executive director for external affairs.
Arab News
