-- The Literary Partner Initiative (LPI), led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC) of Saudi Arabia, has announced a significant turning point in its mission to foster a grassroots reading culture. By partnering with 80 local cafes across all 13 regions of the Kingdom, the initiative transforms everyday spaces into vibrant cultural hubs for literary engagement. This innovative program changes how literature is experienced and shared, making it accessible to communities across Saudi Arabia.
The Literary Partner Initiative recently achieved a national milestone by hosting literary activities in every region of Saudi Arabia. This accomplishment emphasizes the widespread impact of the program in promoting inclusivity and fostering connections between literature and everyday life. “Our goal has always been to make literature a part of people’s daily lives,” said Khalid Al Sameti, the General Administrator of the Literature Sector at LPTC. “By activating cafes as cultural venues, we are creating spaces where communities can come together to share stories and ideas.”
Since its inception, the Literary Partner Initiative has recorded remarkable results:
- Over 203,000 direct beneficiaries have attended literary activities across the Kingdom.
- More than 7,700 literary initiatives and 6,400 cultural events have been hosted in local communities.
- With 1,200+ original literary contributions and 7,100+ speakers and participants, the initiative has enriched the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia.
- Spanning 29 cities in 13 regions, it now operates in 80 literary partner cafés, forming one of the largest grassroots literary movements in the region.
The initiative is deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural enrichment as a cornerstone of the nation’s social and economic transformation. LPI empowers local cafes to become literary destinations through its community-centred approach while building a sense of community and belonging among attendees.
By prioritizing accessibility and local participation, the Literary Partner Initiative has reshaped traditional literary engagement models. Unlike programs that rely on formal venues or institutions, LPI activates informal spaces to bring literature directly to the public. This approach has inspired some cafes to expand their programming independently, further enhancing their role as cultural hubs within their cities.
By 2030, LPI aims to expand its reach to over 200 cafes across Saudi Arabia while sharing its model internationally through global media coverage, cultural summits, and literary festivals. “We believe that literature has the power to bridge cultures and foster understanding,” Al Sameti added. “Our vision is to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovative literary engagement.”
As of 2024, the initiative has partnered with 80 cafes across all regions of Saudi Arabia, engaging hundreds of attendees monthly. Forecasts indicate that by 2030, LPI will host thousands of events annually across an expanded network of cafes. The program also hosts regional writers and literary guests, offering them historical and cultural tours that introduce the region they’re visiting, typically in conjunction with their participation in literary evenings or events.
The Literary Partner Initiative represents a transformative approach to cultural development by integrating literature into everyday spaces. Its success in cultivating a locally rooted reading culture demonstrates the impact of community-driven initiatives in promoting inclusivity and social cohesion. As Khalid Al Sameti aptly stated, “Literature is not just about words on a page; it’s about connecting people and building bridges between cultures.”
About LPTC
The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is one of the cultural commissions under the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia. It works to develop the literary, publishing, and translation sectors, raise the quality of their content and outputs, support talents and professionals, and create opportunities for local and international collaborations. The Commission also aims to enhance the cultural presence of Saudi literature globally and make it accessible to all segments of society through diverse initiatives and programs.
Contact Info:
Name: Sultan AlBoiez
Email: Send Email
Organization: Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission
Address: Saudi Arabia/ Riyadh, Discovery Street 2, KAFD, 13519
Phone: +966 53 324 3535
Website: https://lpt.moc.gov.sa/
Release ID: 89160391
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