logo
Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Biennale Returns in 2026 with Broader Curatorial Team

Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Biennale Returns in 2026 with Broader Curatorial Team

Leadersa day ago
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced its expanded curatorial team and confirmed Jan. 30, 2026, as the official opening date of the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, according to Saudi Gazette.
Headed by Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed, the expanded curatorial team stands as a testament to the Biennale's vision to connect Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural landscape with global artistic dialogue.
Moreover, other international curators Maan Abu Taleb, May Makki, Kabelo Malatsie, and Lantian Xie joined the team. The foundation also appointed Milan-based architect Sammy Zarka as Associate Architect and Exhibition Designer.
'This curatorial team brings together a wide range of voices shaped by different disciplines,' said Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Set to take place in Diriyah's JAX District, the upcoming edition will expand into newly opened venues across the district, further enlivening its industrial heritage spaces and building on the momentum of the 2022 and 2024 editions, which together attracted over 340,000 visitors.
'Their experience demonstrates the evolving role of contemporary art as a space of exchange, and I hope this opens new pathways for artists and audiences in Saudi Arabia,' she added.
Related Topics:
Diriyah Biennale Reflects Kingdom's Ongoing Transformation
Jeddah's Coral Reefs Shine at Biennale Environmental Dialogue
Jeddah's Islamic Arts Biennale Lights Up Ramadan Nights
Short link :
Post Views: 19
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

CONTINUUM '25: Diriyah Art Futures to launch its first exhibition for emerging new media artists
CONTINUUM '25: Diriyah Art Futures to launch its first exhibition for emerging new media artists

Saudi Gazette

time2 hours ago

  • Saudi Gazette

CONTINUUM '25: Diriyah Art Futures to launch its first exhibition for emerging new media artists

RIYADH — Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the region's first hub for new media arts, will open its inaugural exhibition CONTINUUM '25 in Riyadh on September 13, showcasing works by 11 emerging artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world. Running until November 15, CONTINUUM '25 marks the first edition of what will become an annual series spotlighting experimental art forms rooted in digital, immersive, and AI-driven media. The exhibition reflects the creative outcomes of DAF's Emerging New Media Artists Programme, a year-long residency that equips young talents with mentorship and cutting-edge tools. The artists featured include Turki AlQahtani and Khaled Makshoush from Saudi Arabia; Salma Aly (Egypt), Samia Dzaïr (Algeria), Aya Abu Ghazaleh (Jordan), Dhia Dhibi (Tunisia), William Brooks (Wales), Junsoo Kim (Korea), Youssef El Idrissi (Morocco), Kyle Donald Marais (South Africa), and Mohamed Al Mubarak (Bahrain). Under the guidance of international mentors Anna Ridler and Karen Palmer, the artists produced works exploring themes of identity, memory, climate, technology, and displacement. The exhibition spans virtual reality, AI-generated art, immersive installations, sound design, and screen-based storytelling. The title CONTINUUM reflects the evolving nature of creative exploration and the interplay between human and machine, organic and artificial, reality and simulation. The curatorial design mirrors these contrasts, inviting visitors into a fluid, sensory experience that challenges perceptions and evokes new possibilities. Conceptual works examine issues such as climate ecologies, ethics in algorithmic systems, and the fragmentation of memory and place. The exhibition offers a critical reflection on the increasing role of technology in shaping collective futures and artistic agency. DAF, launched under the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, serves as a platform for nurturing talent, fostering global partnerships, and expanding the role of new media art across the Middle East and North Africa. — SG

First batch of Saudi National Orchestra and Choir Program graduated
First batch of Saudi National Orchestra and Choir Program graduated

Saudi Gazette

timea day ago

  • Saudi Gazette

First batch of Saudi National Orchestra and Choir Program graduated

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Music Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, organized the graduation ceremony of the first batch of the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir Program in Riyadh on Monday. Hamed Fayez, deputy minister of culture and vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the Music Commission, attended the ceremony held under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Music Commission Prince Badr bin Abdullah. During the 24-month academic program, the graduates pursued specialized educational and artistic programs, formulated by local and international experts to enhance their competence and hone their talents. The graduates were honored in six categories: academic excellence, excellence in development skills, excellence in support and assistance, excellence in musical leadership, and excellence in discipline and commitment, amid a festive atmosphere that reflected the nation's pride in the achievements of its talented young people. A musical performance, by the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, led by Maestro Nader Abbasi and Maestro Reab Ahmed enthralled the attendees. The Music Commission affirmed that this batch represents a qualitative step in the development of the music sector in the Kingdom and consolidating the presence of national talent on the international stage, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote cultural and creative industries.

Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Biennale Returns in 2026 with Broader Curatorial Team
Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Biennale Returns in 2026 with Broader Curatorial Team

Leaders

timea day ago

  • Leaders

Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Biennale Returns in 2026 with Broader Curatorial Team

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced its expanded curatorial team and confirmed Jan. 30, 2026, as the official opening date of the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, according to Saudi Gazette. Headed by Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed, the expanded curatorial team stands as a testament to the Biennale's vision to connect Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural landscape with global artistic dialogue. Moreover, other international curators Maan Abu Taleb, May Makki, Kabelo Malatsie, and Lantian Xie joined the team. The foundation also appointed Milan-based architect Sammy Zarka as Associate Architect and Exhibition Designer. 'This curatorial team brings together a wide range of voices shaped by different disciplines,' said Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. Set to take place in Diriyah's JAX District, the upcoming edition will expand into newly opened venues across the district, further enlivening its industrial heritage spaces and building on the momentum of the 2022 and 2024 editions, which together attracted over 340,000 visitors. 'Their experience demonstrates the evolving role of contemporary art as a space of exchange, and I hope this opens new pathways for artists and audiences in Saudi Arabia,' she added. Related Topics: Diriyah Biennale Reflects Kingdom's Ongoing Transformation Jeddah's Coral Reefs Shine at Biennale Environmental Dialogue Jeddah's Islamic Arts Biennale Lights Up Ramadan Nights Short link : Post Views: 19

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store