Farah Abushullaih has spent more than a decade leading one of Saudi Arabia’s most important cultural hubs, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Saudi Arabia.
First joining the team in 2012, she initially worked as the Lead Curator of the Great Hall exhibition space before branching out into bigger projects at the Center. Over the years, she has helped to bring global art to the Kingdom by launching several programs and initiatives that support the development of Saudi Arabia’s creative sector and provide a platform for cross-cultural engagement. With her team, she has curated and developed several local and international exhibitions, programs, and partnerships with distinguished institutions. Now, in her current role as Head of the Museum at Ithra, she is working on the second edition of one of the most prolific events at the Center – the Islamic Art Conference which will be held this November. Here we learn more about her passion for regional and international art, and what to expect from this year’s Islamic Art Conference.
How did you first get into the art world, and what inspired you to do so?
From a young age, I was deeply drawn to the arts, spending time observing, learning, and creating. Growing up, I was fortunate to have access to diverse platforms and opportunities that nurtured this interest, helping me realize my passion for art and culture. My journey in the art world took a significant turn when I joined the Ithra team over a decade ago. This opportunity allowed me to fully immerse myself in the creative landscape of the Kingdom, further fueling my passion and commitment to the arts.
Tell us about your work with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).
As Head of Museums at Ithra, I shape cultural narratives and promote cross-cultural understanding. Over the past decade, I have led several programs aimed at nurturing the Kingdom’s creative landscape and fostering global dialogue through art and culture. Together with my team, we curate and develop several local and international exhibitions and programs in collaboration with distinguished institutions.
My role involves instigating change and opening channels of communication, characterized by strategic partnerships, proactive collaborations, and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. These efforts have significantly supported artists and promoted the cultural scene within the local context.
Tell us about the exhibitions you have this year at Ithra. What role do you think they play in the wider Saudi and Arab cultural space?
At Ithra, all our exhibitions align with our core mission: to ignite cultural curiosity, foster knowledge, and inspire creativity through ideas, imagination, and innovation.
One of our key exhibitions this year is “The Camel Through the Ages”. This exhibition highlights the deep, historical bond between humans and camels, a relationship that has significantly shaped societies from North Africa to China. Another major exhibition is “Searching for Light”, a retrospective exhibition of British photographer Peter Sanders’ work, known for his images capturing the Muslim World over the past five decades. Additionally, “Aramcorama” celebrates the legacy of Saudi Aramco through historical images, documents, and artefacts, illustrating the company’s role in the Kingdom’s development. The “Net Zero” exhibition features works from 17 international artists and two Saudi contemporary artists, focusing on sustainability and climate change. “Rehlaat (Arabian Journeys)” invites visitors on an immersive journey across the Arabian Peninsula, exploring its unique geography, wildlife, and history through interactive multimedia experiences.
Finally, in conjunction with the opening of the Islamic Arts Conference this November, and in close partnership with the Abdul Latif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture, Ithra will open “In Praise of the Artisan”. This exciting new exhibition will examine the rich history and diverse influences of Islamic arts and crafts across the globe and will remain on display at Ithra well into 2025. Impressively, this will result in a crafts takeover of Ithra’s three large exhibition halls in November.
What is unique about the Islamic Art Conference, and what role do you think it plays in the current Arab art scene?
The Islamic Art Conference is a significant cultural celebration and global showcase of the rich heritage, living traditions, and emerging trends in Islamic arts and crafts from across the Arab world. One of the conference’s unique features is its integration with related events, creating synergies that enhance the educational experience. This format allows attendees to engage directly with artisans, participate in workshops, and witness the intricate craftsmanship that defines Islamic art and much of the contemporary scene today. The conference also highlights new initiatives and institutions dedicated to preserving traditional craft skills and, by spotlighting the importance of traditional crafts and their relevance in contemporary contexts, it celebrates the artistic legacy of the Arab world positioning it within a global narrative. This initiative ultimately contributes to the growth and vitality of the Arab art scene, ensuring that it continues to grow and thrive in today’s cultural landscape.
Why was Dr. Idries Trevathan selected as the exhibition curator for this year’s event and what can visitors expect from his vision for the event?
Dr Idries Trevathan, Ithra’s Curator of Islamic Art and Culture, has extensive expertise and a profound understanding of Islamic art and culture. With over 15 years of experience working with Islamic art collections both in the Muslim world and internationally, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. His academic background includes a PhD in Islamic art from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, and his contributions to the field have been recognized through several prestigious awards.
This year, visitors can expect a thoughtfully curated experience that reflects Dr Trevathan’s vision of celebrating the rich history and diverse influences of Islamic arts and crafts across the globe. In addition, they will have the opportunity to attend the exhibition “In Praise of the Artisan”, which will showcase both historical and contemporary works, highlighting the ethos and evolving narrative embedded within Islamic artistic traditions. “In Praise of the Artisan” will remain on display at Ithra following the completion of the conference and into 2025.
In terms of representation at this year’s event, which countries will be in the spotlight? Please can you tell us a little bit about the decision process to highlight these groups?
This edition of the Islamic Art Conference will showcase gifted artisans from a diverse range of countries, reflecting the goal of expanding our reach internationally and encompassing the entirety of the Arab world. Featured countries include Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, China, Egypt, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Artisans from these countries were chosen for their representation of a broad cross-section of the Islamic art scene, spanning multiple continents and highlighting the rich tapestry of cultural heritage. It allows us to celebrate how Islamic art connects diverse cultures and geographies, aligning with Ithra’s mission to promote global cultural exchange.
This will be the second time the event has been held, how do you see the exhibition growing and what role do you think it will play moving forward in the Arab arts and culture scene?
I’m excited about the future of the Islamic Art Conference. We see it playing a vital role in showcasing the traditional crafts of the Kingdom and the broader Arab world and their relationship to identity, heritage, and generational continuity. As we move forward, we aim to grow and expand the conference’s reach by developing new collaborations, exploring diverse themes, and engaging with various communities. Our goal is to establish the Islamic Art Conference as a dynamic platform for capturing new trends and directions in Islamic arts and crafts, enabling cultural exchange, and making meaningful contributions to the arts landscape both regionally and internationally. By promoting dialogue and collaboration, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of Islamic art and culture, ensuring its relevance and resonance in the contemporary context.
