The Alliance Française of Saudi Arabia has transformed over time from being a language center in 2010 to a real cultural center that offers, not only French lessons, but also diverse cultural activities. It continuously organizes events in KSA’s major cities to create bridges and connections with the private and public sectors for a brighter present and future.
Give us a brief history of your organization.
The Alliance Française of Saudi Arabia is the leading center in the Kingdom for teaching quality-based French and spreading francophone cultures. It holds strong ties with the French Embassy and is part of the worldwide network of the Alliance Française (816 branches), recognized internationally for the quality of its teaching services. The Alliance Française Network was founded in Paris on July 21, 1883.
What is the vision and mission of the organization?
The institution was born in Saudi Arabia in 2010 and is now based in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. Every year, it welcomes more than 3,500 students, franco-phones and francophiles, with the main goal of training them on the French language and giving them the opportunity to discover the French culture.
What is the most important work that your organization is doing for arts and culture?
The main event Alliance Française organizes every year is the International Women Photographers Award exhibition in cooperation with the French Embassy and L’Art Pur gallery.
What do you think is the importance of arts and culture in these times of technological developments and advancements?
The Alliance Française of Saudi Arabia follow the orientations of the Foundation Alliance Française in Paris, which include spreading French art and culture around the Saudi Arabia. The technological development is complementary to our culture program, and the Alliance Française try to offer cultural activities in adequation with modernity.
What are your cultural exchanges with Saudi Arabia? Are there any ongoing projects that foster cultural exchanges between Saudi Arabia and your country/ organization?
80% of the French language students at Alliance Française are Saudi citizens. The center trains them on the French language, culture, and etiquette in order to prepare them for studies or professional projects in France. In line with Vision 2030, we will continue to develop cultural exchanges with Saudi Arabia and provide foreign language training to Saudi students.
What events with art and culture themes have you done in Riyadh? Any activities/events this year?
The Alliance Française, in cooperation with the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia, organize concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and movie screenings all year round in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
Are there collaboration/partnership opportunities with artists/creatives?
The Alliance Française collaborates all-year-round with art galleries such as L’Art Pur Gallery and Naila Art Gallery. The cultural section of French Embassy also collaborates with artists through more specific programs.
Alliance Française d’Arabie Saoudite
Al Kindi Plaza, Gate 14, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contact No.: +966-11-281-6539 / +966-11-281-6540
Website: www.af-ksa.com
Email: info@af-ksa.com
Instagram: @alliancefrancaise_KSA
Facebook: facebook.com/Alliance-FrancaisedArabie-Saoudite
Photo Credit: Matthieu Thevenon
