Latest news with #Al-MousaCenter
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Art Week Riyadh: Al-Mousa Center brings together pioneering and emerging artists
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia's capital city, the Al-Mousa Center has transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, with over 15 galleries presenting a mix of solo and group exhibitions as part of Art Week Riyadh. The event brings together trailblazing artists and rising stars from the region and beyond, offering a dynamic platform for contemporary artistic expression. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Once a bustling commercial complex in the 1980s, the Al-Mousa Center originally served as a premier destination for wedding attire — where some of the city's best tailors still practice their craft today. The building's dated architectural style adds a nostalgic vibe to the space, evoking memories of the past while providing a fitting backdrop for contemporary art. When a framing shop opened and quickly flourished, art began to gradually replace garments in the complex. While a few stores continue to sell suits and dresses, the mall has since transformed into a lively cultural center, now housing approximately 20 art galleries. 'When I heard about Art Week Riyadh, I was excited to be part of it. I'm a third-generation Saudi artist with 28 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance engineer, pilot and instructor pilot. Now, I'm an artist. I'm from Riyadh, and this is a chance for us to celebrate art and showcase our local talent,' said Nasser Al-Kharji, who founded Art Connection, one of the participating galleries. Al-Kharji's father launched a pioneering cartoon column in a local Saudi newspaper in 1965 — a legacy that Al-Kharji honors by framing the columns prominently in his gallery, alongside his own work and that of other regional artists. Perched upstairs, galleries such as Ahlam Gallery relocated to their current expansive 360-square-meter space in 2022, offering a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. Founded by Dr. Ahlam Al-Shedoukhy, a retired medical doctor who turned to art as a source of healing, the gallery now stands as one of the largest spaces in the complex. Other participating galleries include Abdullah Hammas Studio, Errm Art Gallery, Marsami Gallery, and Alestudio, each contributing to the rich diversity of Riyadh's growing art scene. While most of the curated talks during Art Week Riyadh are taking place at JAX District in Diriyah, a special panel titled 'The Value of the Past is a Measure of the Future' was held at the Al-Mousa Center on Monday. The discussion focused on how Saudi Arabia's visual arts heritage is not only a part of the nation's history but also continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration, shaping the future of art in the Kingdom. The inaugural Art Week Riyadh, organized by the Visual Arts Commission, runs from Apr. 6 to 13, activating galleries and creative spaces across the city. Anchored in JAX District in Diriyah, the weeklong program features a range of exhibitions, talks, and curated events that underscore the diversity and dynamism of the Kingdom's evolving visual arts scene.
Saudi Gazette
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Riyadh Art Week launches with over 50 galleries showcasing global artistic dialogue
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The inaugural edition of Riyadh Art Week, themed 'On the Edge of the Horizon,' has officially launched with the participation of over 50 local, regional, and international galleries. The event, organized by the Visual Arts Commission, brings together more than 240 artists and over 500 artworks, highlighting Saudi Arabia's evolving role in the global art scene. Riyadh Art Week aims to support and empower artists, foster cultural exchange, and promote creative diversity through a non-commercial platform rooted in contemporary artistic expression. Princess Adwa bint Abdullah, Chairwoman of Riyadh Art Week, said the initiative embodies 'the spirit of communication between artists' and celebrates the participation of Saudi creatives featured in international galleries. 'It is remarkable to see the event hosting more than 50 galleries and over 500 artworks, representing local and international experiences,' she added. Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, emphasized the importance of Riyadh Art Week as a milestone in developing the arts sector. 'This platform strengthens Saudi Arabia's cultural infrastructure and showcases our artistic talent on the global stage,' she said. Held across various venues in Riyadh, the event's centerpiece is in the Jax District, which features a major exhibition structured around three central themes: daily life, landscapes, and ornaments. Al-Mousa Center hosts additional solo and group shows, while invited institutions including the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Art Jameel, and the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) are also holding curated exhibitions. Riyadh Art Week is part of the Visual Arts Commission's strategic initiatives to strengthen the visual arts sector in the Kingdom, empower Saudi artists, and amplify the country's cultural footprint globally.
Leaders
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Art Week Riyadh: Celebrating Saudi Arabia's Flourishing Art Scene
Saudi Arabia's Visual Arts Commission is gearing up to launch the first-ever Art Week Riyadh to honor the Kingdom's flourishing art scene, according to Arab News. Set to run from Sunday, April 6, until Sunday, April 13, the event covers several cultural venues in Riyadh, including the JAX District and the Al-Mousa Center. Themed 'At The Edge,' Art Week Riyadh highlights the participation of local and international galleries, artists, and art enthusiasts from all over the world. The main exhibition will delve into the cultural art landscape between the Kingdom and the whole world through various artworks from over 45 galleries. Furthermore, it will revolve around three themes to highlight the close link between traditions and innovation, as follows: Everyday Life Landscapes Motifs During the event, Al-Mousa Center will host more than 15 special exhibitions. Meanwhile, the JAX District will also introduce a trio of exhibitions in collaboration with pioneering cultural institutions and private collectors under the title of 'Collections in Dialogue.' Apart from this, the event will hold several workshops and talks to discuss contemporary issues in the visual arts inside and outside the Kingdom. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia to Launch Art Week Riyadh in April Saudi International Luxury Week Starts in Riyadh Year-end Review: Saudi Artists Show Unparalleled Skills in 2024 Short link : Post Views: 34 Related Stories
Arab News
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia ready to host Art Week Riyadh
RIYADH: The Visual Arts Commission is preparing for the launch of the first-ever Art Week Riyadh, a week-long celebration of Saudi Arabia's vibrant art scene, which starts on Sunday and runs until April 13, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Held under the theme 'At The Edge', the inaugural edition will unfold across key cultural venues in the capital, including the JAX District and the Al-Mousa Center. The event will bring together leading local, regional, and international galleries, artists, institutions, collectors, and art enthusiasts. The flagship exhibition will showcase works from more than 45 galleries, exploring cultural dialogues between Saudi Arabia, the wider Middle East, and the global contemporary art landscape. The exhibition will be curated around three themes — Everyday Life, Landscapes, and Motifs — highlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation in Saudi visual culture. Al-Mousa Center, now a thriving arts hub, will host over 15 specially curated exhibitions, while the JAX District will also present Collections in Dialogue — a trio of exhibitions developed with leading cultural institutions and private collectors. In addition to exhibitions, Art Week Riyadh will feature a series of talks and workshops tackling contemporary issues in the visual arts across the Kingdom and beyond. AAccording to the Visual Arts Commission, the initiative aims to cultivate a dynamic and collaborative art environment, while honoring Saudi Arabia's artistic heritage and its evolving creative future.
