UK museum names Saudi academic as youth ambassador

Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - RIYADH: Saudi academic Ghadah Al-Harthi has been appointed ambassador of young patrons by the London-based Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the leading museums in the world.

Al-Harthi, who is based in the UK, is an associate professor at Central Saint Martins; a consultant at the London-based cultural consultancy Barker Langham; and an adviser at Chatham House, an international think tank.

Following her appointment, she said: “I am happy to be chosen as an ambassador by this prestigious museum that has a significant influence on the international cultural scene.”

She added: “My efforts will be focused on education and innovation to ensure the participation of the youth in cultural influence.

“My academic and consulting experience in innovation and culture with British universities and companies will allow me to support the museum’s senior management to develop global cultural communication methods and diversify cultural and art projects across the Middle East and Europe.”

The Young Patrons Group is an effective and important circle that supports the museum in achieving its goals. It includes leading patrons and donors supporting arts and culture at an international level.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied arts and decorative arts, was founded in 1852 as a public institution, and is sponsored by the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

It contains a collection of 4.5 million varied items, including 20,000 of the most important Islamic pieces in the Middle East. At least 2 million people visit the museum annually.