Damascus, Sept. 12 (SANA)Damascus Art Week has opened with a diverse cultural program bringing together visual arts, photography, cinema and music, offering a platform for Syrian artists at home and abroad to present their creative works.

Held at the Warda Masar building in Damascus, the event was attended by Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh along with cultural figures and officials, marking a renewed effort to revive artistic spaces and expand cultural activities in Syria.

Al-Saleh said the launch of the event represents “the return of things to their natural contexts,” describing the restoration of cultural spaces as part of Syria’s recovery process.

He stressed that theMinistry of Cultureseeks to support different artistic experiences and provide an open environment for creativity without restrictions.

The minister highlighted recent cultural initiatives, including calligraphy and ornamentation events, theater and cinema festivals, and seasonal cultural programs, announcing that theVisual Arts Centerwill soon host an annual exhibition showcasing diverse artistic trends.

He also pointed to the restoration project of the studio of late Syrian artist Fateh al-Moudarres, saying the initiative reflects appreciation for artists and the role of art in presenting new perspectives and preserving cultural memory.

Syrian actress Mona Wasif, for her part, welcomed the launch of the event, saying that holding the festival at a building under development reflects the transformation taking place in the country and expressing her pride in Damascus and its cultural identity.

The program includes exhibitions of visual arts and photography, documentary and short film screenings, as well as live performances by Syrian music groups, organizers said.

Bishr al-Shallah, head of the Syrian Business Group, said the event aims to highlight Syrian artists and introduce international guests to the country’s creative scene, while organizer Dolama Shehab noted that the music program features performances by Haneen Choir, Jadal Band, Dixieland Orchestra and Arba’a w Nos.

Damascus Art Week will run until Sept. 18 as part of efforts to support artistic expression, strengthen cultural activity and restore cultural venues as active spaces in public life.