JEDDAH — The Museums Commission in Saudi Arabia recently hosted an open meeting titled "Museums and Community Engagement: How Can a Museum Become a Community Hub?" to explore ways to enhance the cultural and social roles of museums.

Moderated by Eman Zidan, director of the Red Sea Museum, the event featured key figures in the Saudi museum sector, including Noha Al-Kadhi, director of programs at the Museums Commission; Hassa Al-Sudairy, senior manager of cultural programs at the Jeddah Historic District Program; and Maria Alam, director of learning and research at Hayy Jameel.

The discussion underscored the critical need to understand and cater to the needs of diverse audiences, particularly children and youth, to foster genuine community engagement.

Speakers emphasized the importance of:

Creating engaging and interactive experiences: This includes developing programs and exhibitions that are relevant to the community, utilizing technology to enhance visitor experiences, and involving schools and students in museum activities.
Building strong community partnerships: By collaborating with local organizations, schools, and community groups, museums can create a more meaningful and lasting impact.
Preserving heritage authentically: While embracing technology, it's crucial to maintain the integrity of historical artifacts and sites.
Al-Sudairy shared successful examples from the Jeddah Historic District Program, such as workshops where children restored heritage houses using 3D models, demonstrating how hands-on activities can deepen understanding and connection to heritage.

Alam highlighted Hayy Jameel's initiative of engaging the community in decorating the neighborhood facade, showcasing how art can bridge the gap between the museum and the public.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging museums to transform into vibrant community hubs that go beyond traditional display functions and actively engage with the public.