Traces that Remain: Abir Abusuliman in dialogue with Hani Farsi

An intimate storytelling program that sheds light on the living memory of Historic Jeddah through
family histories, personal narratives and the traces that remain across generations.The program
brings together Abir Abusuliman, one of Jeddah’s most recognized heritage storytellers and
tourism experts, known for her deep connection to Historic Jeddah and her work in sharing the
city’s stories with local and international audiences, with Hani Farsi, this dialogue sheds light on
the legacy of Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi, former Mayor of Jeddah, whose vision transformed the
city into one of the region’s most remarkable open-air museums. During his tenure, Jeddah’s
public spaces and Corniche became home to hundreds of sculptures and artworks by major
Saudi, Arab, and international artists, including works associated with names such as Henry
Moore, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Victor Vasarely, Arnaldo Pomodoro, César Baldaccini, Aref
El Rayess and others. The conversation will invite Hani Farsi to reflect on his father’s vision,
personal memories, and the cultural ambition behind placing art in the public realm. The talk
will explore how public art shaped Jeddah’s identity, how the city’s relationship with sculpture
continues to live in collective memory and how this legacy connects to today’s conversations
around urban culture, heritage, preservation and the role of art in everyday life.

Pre-program Coordination: The talk will begin with a short outdoor introduction at the Radwi
sculpture in front of the Red Sea Museum, recently rehabilitated by the Historic Jeddah
Program, linking Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi’s legacy to the revival of public art in Jeddah today.

Materials: Two armchairs / conversation seating, seating setup for audience, side table and
water, microphones, screen for archival images or family photographs, if available, speaker bio
slides, program title slide, hosbitality (saudi coffee)