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Source: Visual arts in Saudi Arabia

The earliest forms of visual arts in Saudi Arabia emerged 60 years ago when the first-ever exhibition for school-based activities in the history of public education was held in 1953, where renowned artist Abdul Halim Radawi showcased some of his early artworks. This was followed by King Saud bin Abdulaziz’s inauguration of Saudi Arabia's first-ever art exhibition in 1958, organized by the Ministry of Knowledge (currently the Ministry of Education). These events marked the beginning of Saudi fine art in its modern form, joining other preceding long-established art forms, such as Arabic calligraphy and handicrafts, which, for centuries past, represented the only forms of visual art commonly practiced in the societies of the Arabian Peninsula.
Handicrafts, whose various forms were present in daily-use objects such as ornaments, housewares, decoration, and clothing, were regarded as one of many artistic practices prevalent in Saudi society. Traditional handicrafts, as opposed to modern arts, are more than aesthetically functional. They were deeply part and parcel of people's livelihoods through seasonal cycles and could commonly be found in local markets. Arabic calligraphy also occupied a highly symbolic position due to its association with transcribing the Holy Quran. Its firm traditions transcended local practice, as it was passed on from generation to generation through the Ijazah system, in addition to being one of the first art forms to be included in formal education with the establishment of the Al-Falah schools in Jeddah and Makkah in 1905. Prominent calligrapher Sheikh Muhammad Taher Al-Kurdi, who left behind numerous works, is a notable graduate of this system. The Saudi Information Scientific Institute is considered the first formal educational institution in the Kingdom and home to the calligrapher Muhammad Adib. He was later entrusted with designing coinage and postage stamps during the reign of King Abdulaziz.