The Alwaleed Cultural Network: Connecting Cultures, Promoting Understanding

The Alwaleed Cultural Network (ACN) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering a more inclusive and connected world. With 12 members/partners spanning three continents, this network is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding, education, art, and public engagement. Through collaboration with renowned academic and cultural institutions, the ACN aims to create a platform for learning, exchange, and appreciation of diverse cultures and beliefs.

One of the primary goals of the ACN is to connect some of the world's most respected academic and cultural institutions, fostering intercultural collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities. The Alwaleed Cultural Network currently consists of 12 members/partners previously funded by Alwaleed Philanthropies:

• Alwaleed Philanthropies
• Alwaleed Islamic Studies Programme, Harvard University (USA)
• Centre for American Studies and Research, American University of Beirut (Lebanon)
• Centre For American Studies, American University in Cairo (Egypt)
• Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge (UK)
• Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University (USA)
• Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, University of Edinburgh (UK)
• History of Science Museum, Oxford University Museums (UK)
• Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford University Museums (UK)
• Museum of Islamic Art, Berlin (Germany)
• New York University Abu Dhabi
• Turquoise Mountain

The ACN recognizes the power of education, art, and culture in promoting cross-cultural understanding. To this end, the network has curated a series of online events featuring experts from various fields of culture and art. These events bring together some of the brightest minds to discuss and explore the complexities of our global society. Additionally, the ACN delivers free and accessible online courses that are culturally driven, ensuring that knowledge and understanding are available to all.

The ACN has developed a dynamic website that serves as a hub for free resources related to global culture, religion, and art. This platform offers visitors the opportunity to access a wealth of information, including research outputs, events, online exhibitions, and more. The ACN website has already proven to be a valuable resource for those interested in broadening their horizons.

• The first board meeting of the Alwaleed Cultural Network was hosted in April 2024 at the University of Oxford.
• Launch of the new website for the Alwaleed Cultural Network featuring an updated homepage and enhanced mobile functionalities.
• Launch of the project “Tales of Objects and Their Journey Through Time,” which made exceptional progress in 2024. The digital exhibition is on track for launch in January 2025.
• Launch of the project “From the Craftsmen’s Workshop” – a unique series of three short films showcasing the lives and work of artisans in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Palestine.
• Hosting of an online event bringing together the artist “Al-Sayed” and art historian Zahra Kazani (University of Cambridge) to celebrate the International Day of Islamic Art 2025, organized by UNESCO.

Our goals encompass a holistic approach to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration on a global scale. Firstly, we aim to enhance cross-cultural understanding both internationally and within communities through a comprehensive program of education, art, and public engagement, promoting trust and connection among diverse populations. Secondly, we endeavor to establish connections between some of the most esteemed academic and cultural institutions worldwide, facilitating vibrant intercultural collaborations, opportunities, and partnerships that enrich the global cultural landscape. Lastly, we aspire to create and cultivate a dynamic website that serves as a hub for free resources, catering to individuals interested in deepening their understanding of global culture, religion, and art, thus promoting accessibility and inclusivity in cultural education and exploration.