The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Wrth, is preparing to launch the third edition of Wrth Camp in the Asir region, bringing together 50 talented participants for a 31-day training experience focused on three traditional Saudi art forms: stone construction, hand embroidery and traditional metalwork.
The camp is scheduled to take place from October 1 to 31, 2026, as part of the institute’s efforts to empower national talent and transfer knowledge and skills associated with Saudi traditional arts from inherited practices into structured training, hands-on practice and creative production.
Combining Training With Hands-On Practice
The camp will bring together 50 male and female participants for a program combining theoretical learning with practical training under the supervision of specialized Saudi artists and trainers.
The program emphasizes learning through practice and teamwork, allowing participants to develop their artistic and creative skills while engaging directly with the cultural and heritage environment of Asir.
Participants will also draw inspiration from the region’s distinctive architectural and artistic characteristics as they develop and produce their work.
This approach builds on previous editions of Wrth Camp, which combined theoretical and practical training with the creation of collaborative artworks reflecting the identity of the host region. The second edition in Al-Ahsa brought together more than 50 participants for a 30-day experience that resulted in three collaborative artworks.
Three Traditional Art Tracks
The Asir edition will focus on three main disciplines: traditional stone construction, traditional hand embroidery and traditional metalwork.
Participants will learn the tools, techniques and production methods associated with each discipline, while exploring their historical development and connection to the cultural heritage of the region.
The program is designed to combine technical knowledge with direct craftsmanship, giving participants an opportunity to experience traditional arts through both study and practice.
31 Days of Learning and Cultural Exploration
The month-long program will feature daily and weekly training activities, along with cultural and field trips designed to give participants a closer understanding of the places and environments that have shaped Asir’s traditional arts.
The approach aims to connect craftsmanship with place, identity and local heritage, transforming the camp into a broader cultural and educational journey rather than a purely technical training program.
The experience will conclude with the production of three collaborative artworks inspired by Asir’s traditional arts and architecture.
One of the works, titled “Windows of Tomorrow,” will be a stone wall inspired by the windows of the Sarawat Mountains. Another, “Architecture in Fabric,” will be an embroidered mural inspired by the architecture of Rijal Almaa, while the third will be a collaborative mural created using traditional metalworking techniques.
Empowering Talent and Preserving Heritage
Wrth Camp forms part of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts’ wider efforts to strengthen the presence of Saudi traditional arts, support practitioners and empower national talent through educational and practical programs.
The institute’s approach links cultural heritage preservation with practice, creativity and production, allowing traditional arts to evolve while maintaining their cultural roots and identity.
Previous editions of the camp have demonstrated the value of connecting participants with the character of the host region, combining training, field experiences, teamwork and the creation of artworks inspired by local cultural and architectural traditions.
