Riyadh University of Arts Partners with USC School of Cinematic Arts

The Riyadh University of Arts, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, has signed an agreement with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts to develop cultural and artistic talent and support cultural exchange. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development Noha Kattan signed on behalf of the Riyadh University of Arts, while Alan Baker, associate dean of the School of Cinematic Arts, represented the University of Southern California.

Under the agreement, the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and the Riyadh University of Arts will develop bachelor’s and diploma curriculums and courses for the university’s College of Film. Senior faculty and staff from the School of Cinematic Arts will share best practices with students at the College of Film and create training programmes for new instructors locally and internationally.

The agreement is part of a wider series of partnerships between the Riyadh University of Arts and global institutions to co-design academic programmes, collaborate on research and expand cultural education opportunities. The Riyadh University of Arts was launched in September 2025 at the Cultural Investment Conference by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The university will expand in phases and cover all subsectors, offering short courses, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, master’s degrees and doctorates. Full details about the university, its colleges and its partnerships will be published on its official website when it launches in the first quarter of 2026.