Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh on Tuesday said that the ministry’s directorates across the Kingdom have implemented around 3,000 cultural activities and events from January 1 to September 22.
The activities included evenings, seminars, conferences, theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and diverse training courses, in addition to 62 festivals, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Speaking during a meeting titled “Cultural Development Projects” with journalists and media representatives, part of a series organised by the Government Communication Forum at the Ministry of Government Communication, Rawashdeh stressed that the ministry’s work stems from His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision and the government’s approach of linking the cultural portfolio with economic modernisation and comprehensive development.
He noted that the ministry seeks to advance creative cultural industries as productive sectors, shifting from the concept of hobby to investment, in order to support economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.
The minister added that the ministry’s work falls within the framework of the National Cultural Strategy, aiming to empower youth and women to channel their energies into development and productivity, while also supporting creative and intellectual talents to foster a culture of achievement and belonging.
Rawashdeh highlighted the role of cultural centres in providing an enabling environment filled with programmes and training opportunities that help youth develop their skills, enrich their time, and enhance their sense of national responsibility, while engaging their capabilities in community service.
From January through September 22, the ministry carried out its activities in cooperation with several ministries and institutions, he said, noting that around 530 events took place in Amman alone across various cultural and artistic fields.
The ministry also supported more than 300 projects through the Empowerment Committee and the Cultural Cities and Districts programme, in addition to activities organised by cultural associations in cooperation with the ministry, he added.
Rawashdeh also said that some 2,000 trainees have benefited from the ministry’s art training centres across the Kingdom, receiving training in visual arts, sculpture, Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, music, theatre, and drama.