Shura Council Committee discusses importance of cultural institutions in cultural development

Oman's Shura Council Committee is actively studying ways to bolster the influence of community cultural institutions. The Media, Tourism and Culture Committee convened with representatives from community libraries and cultural centers to gather insights for its ongoing study, "Enhancing the Role of Community Cultural Centres and Libraries and Maximising Their Impact on Society." This initiative underscores the vital function these organizations play in nurturing a knowledgeable and culturally aware populace.

Ali Khalfan Al Hassani, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, acknowledged the significant contributions of the library and cultural center representatives. He emphasized the committee's commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives and practical experiences to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and needs of these institutions. The ultimate goal is to formulate actionable recommendations that strengthen their cultural impact and ensure their long-term sustainability.

A key presentation was delivered by the Oman Memory Centre, detailing its extensive efforts in preserving and documenting Omani heritage. The center employs an integrated framework encompassing research, collection, recording, data preservation, cataloging, restoration, and academic publishing. Notably, it has developed a digital repository containing tens of thousands of manuscripts, documents, and historical photographs. The center also facilitates access to knowledge resources through an electronic platform and actively digitizes private collections.

Through these initiatives, including organizing international conferences and exhibitions, the Oman Memory Centre highlights Oman's rich civilizational heritage. This work not only strengthens cultural identity but also promotes intellectual exchange globally, demonstrating the profound role community cultural institutions play in societal development.

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The Committee’s commitment to engaging with a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and field-based insights related to the work of community libraries and cultural centres. Such engagement, he noted, would contribute to developing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing these institutions and their developmental needs, ultimately leading to practical recommendations aimed at strengthening their presence and cultural impact while supporting the sustainability of their future programmes and activities.