Here to open his private plastic arts exhibition at the Arab Institute in Paris, Prince Khalid Alfaisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Asir Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Chairman of the Arab Thought Foundation, briefed the press last night on the establishment of the ATF and his current cultural visit to France.
Speaking to the gathering at the Arab Press Club, Prince Khalid disclosed that Abha, the capital of his governorate of Asir, hosts Arab world's first plastic arts village.
He told his listeners of his early interest in cultural activities in general, and plastic arts and poetry in particular.
A poet and plastic artist since he was a student, Prince Khalid was appointed as the Head of the Youth Welfare during the era of the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz.
Prince Khalid also cast light on the cultural activity of the King Faisal Charity Foundation. He disclosed that the foundation was planning to establish the Alfaisal University in Riyadh.
He said the Arab Thought Foundation, Prince Khalid's own initiative several years ago, was a combination of intellectuals and businessmen who supported cultural activity or between thought and money as he put it.
He said the Foundation was a platform for free thought and constructive criticism. It did not belong to any government or political party or nationality, he added.
The Foundation's annual conferences have been held in Cairo, Beirut, Marrakesh and the next one will be held in Dubai, he reported.
In response to a question, he said he had held private plastic arts exhibitions in London, Washington, Beirut, Germany and Portugal.
