Latest news with #KingAbdulazizCenterforWorldCulture
Leaders
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Ithra Calls on Artists to Apply for 7th Art Prize
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has opened registration for the 7th edition of the biennial Ithra Art Prize, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Launched in 2017, the prize seeks to support contemporary art across the Arab world and offer a vital platform for talented artists. With a total prize pool of $100,000, the winning artwork will secure a lasting home within Ithra's permanent art collection. The 2025 edition of the Ithra Art Prize has witnessed notable expansion with the appointed jury providing five finalists with production grants to showcase their work in an exhibition at Ithra in the spring of 2026. Interestingly, the exhibition offers a unique and valuable opportunity to advance the award's objective of boosting a vibrant cultural movement in the region. By showcasing the fascinating artworks of participating artists, the award celebrates their artistic legacy, enriches the regional art scene, as well as encourages dialogue around contemporary Arab art. Crucially, the award is open to individual artists and creative collectives aged 18 and above, including Arab artists and those residing in Arab countries. This year, the award is accepting both new and previously submitted works until October 16. Submissions should mirror the artist's ongoing practice and research. Their works also should be intellectually driven, contextually rooted, and shaped by sustained exploration. Related Topics: Ithra Celebrates Eid Al-Adha with 31 Festivities Ithra Shines at Spain's 'Concéntrico' Festival with Inspired Saudi Agricultural Heritage Over 50,000 Attend Eid Celebrations at Ithra Featuring Artistic Performances Short link : Post Views: 7
Arab News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Ithra launches open call for $100,000 art prize
DHAHRAN: Artists across the region are invited to apply for the Ithra Art Prize, with $100,000 up for grabs and the chance to have their work displayed at one of the Middle East's leading cultural institutions. The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced the open call for the seventh edition, with the head of the museum calling it one of area's 'most generous and influential' art grants. Artists from across the Arab world can submit their proposals via the Ithra website, with a deadline of Oct. 16. This edition will also, for the first time, recognize five finalists with production grants. Their work, along with the winning commission, will be exhibited at Ithra's headquarters in spring 2026. Launched in 2017, the prize initially focused on Saudi and Saudi-based artists but was expanded in its fourth edition to include contemporary artists of Arab heritage across 22 countries. Farah Abushullaih, Ithra's head of museum, told Arab News it served as 'an open invitation to artists to speak in their own voice.' She said: 'We're looking for proposals that reflect depth, authenticity and a clear vision. What stands out is work that is intellectually grounded and emotionally resonant.' Both new commissions and re-contextualized existing works are accepted, provided they are closely linked to the artist's ongoing research and creative trajectory. Applicants must be aged 18 or older and of Arab heritage or residing in one of the 22 Arab countries. Both individual artists and collectives may apply. 'The prize is about expanding the region's cultural conversations through bold, original ideas. Ithra is committed to supporting them every step of the way, from conception to creation and beyond,' said Abushullaih. The Ithra Art Prize has played a pivotal role in advancing contemporary art from the region since its inception. Past winners have displayed their works at leading cultural events including Art Dubai, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and the AlUla Arts Festival. Abushullaih said: 'Ithra continually evolves its programs to reflect the changing artistic landscape and needs of the Kingdom and the region. In the case of the Ithra Art Prize, this goes beyond funding; we offer a platform for dialogue, critical thinking and meaningful cultural exchange.' She added sustaining this impact was an ongoing commitment. 'It requires long-term investment in artists' development, authentic community engagement and creating opportunities for works to resonate, both locally and globally. We want Ithra to be a meeting place for cultures to interact, share, and grow,' she said. Looking ahead, Ithra is already in discussions to present the winner's work beyond Dhahran. 'Partnerships and collaborations have always been central to how we develop our programs and extend the reach of the artists we support,' said Abushullaih. 'We are in dialogue with institutions based in Saudi Arabia and internationally to explore ways for the seventh edition of the prize to be seen by a wider audience and experienced in new contexts beyond Ithra.'
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Ithra announces open call for 7th Ithra Art Prize with expanded exhibition format
Saudi Gazette report DHAHRAN — The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced the open call for the 7th edition of the Ithra Art Prize, one of the world's most generous grants for contemporary artists from the Arab world. With a top award of $100,000 and a new format including five additional finalists, the prize offers an unparalleled platform for regional creatives. Submissions are now open and will be accepted until October 16, 2025. For the first time in the prize's history, five finalists will receive production grants to showcase their works alongside the winner in a collective exhibition at Ithra in spring 2026. The final winner will be selected during the exhibition, which marks a return of the prize's centerpiece event to Ithra's home in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Launched in 2017, the Ithra Art Prize is open to individual artists and collectives aged 18 and above who are either of Arab heritage or reside in one of the 22 Arab prize welcomes both new commissions and recontextualized existing works that reflect sustained inquiry, intellectual engagement, and a strong regional context.'The Ithra Art Prize supports artists who engage creatively and critically with conditions and ideas that speak to the diverse contexts of our region,' said Farah Abushullaih, Head of Ithra's Museum.'The 7th edition marks a homecoming that expands the prize's scope through an exhibition at Ithra featuring multiple works in dialogue with one another.'Since its inception, the Ithra Art Prize has launched the careers of prominent artists across the Arab winners include Ayman Zedani, Daniah Al Saleh, Fahad bin Naif, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Adel Abidin, and Obaid works have been featured at Art Dubai, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, the State Hermitage Museum in Russia, and the AlUla Arts Prize continues to foster dialogue, innovation, and cultural production across the Arab region, with a focus on bridging local voices with global audiences.
Gulf Today
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Ithra's installation by Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmed at Spain festival
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a leading cultural institution in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, unveiled an immersive installation inspired by Saudi agricultural heritage at the Concéntrico International Festival of Architecture and Design in Logrono, Spain (June 19 -24). Participating in the festival for the second consecutive year, Ithra expanded its footprint across the international design landscape by presenting Rooted in Warmth by Saudi multimedia artist Raghad Al-Ahmed, alongside an Ithra-supported sensory experience delivered by Saudi-based visual narrative studio, N'class, on June 19. The installation was created in collaboration with over 50 female artisans in Al-Jawf, northern Saudi Arabia, inspired by the artist's roots in the Hejazi community, specifically in the western city of Taif, where gatherings under the shades of trees still form an integral part of rural life. Reviving a moment of connection through contemporary lens, the immersive installation encouraged visitors to interact with, enter and even climb the structure, to experience the work's celebration of the deep ties between agriculture, familial connection, and the nurturing qualities of Nature. Interacting with Summer Blessings offerings. The sensory experience, called Summer Blessings, complemented Rooted in Warmth by presenting an immersive installation celebrating the rich diversity of KSA's local fruits and herbs. The installation was a large tablecloth representing Saudi Arabia's map; placed on it were seasonal fruits, spices and herbs, well-known in each region of the Kingdom, inviting visitors to smell, touch, and taste the rich agricultural heritage of the country. The project contributes to Ithra's broader efforts to celebrate cultural heritage through craft-focused programmes. They include Ithra's Islamic Art Conference and ongoing multi-exhibition programme dedicated to Islamic and contemporary artisanship. Through hands-on, discovery-led experiences, Ithra has invited audiences of all ages to explore creativity and knowledge embedded in craft traditions across Saudi Arabia and beyond its borders. By sharing traditions, including the presentation at Concéntrico Festival, Ithra brings foundational elements of Saudi identity to new audiences, to ensure that an invaluable legacy is preserved and shared globally. Commenting on the festival showcase, Noura Alzamil, Head of Programs at Ithra, said: 'We are proud to present Raghad Al-Ahmed's remarkable work at Concéntrico. Commissioning this piece and showcasing it at one of Europe's leading design festivals reflects Ithra's continued efforts to champion creative expression. 'This initiative offers a tangible platform for Saudi artists and artisans to amplify their voices and share their craft with the world, enriching the global cultural landscape. Imbued with the artist's personal and national identity, wrapped in contemporary artistic expression, Rooted in Warmth is sure to be a catalyst for cross-cultural dialogue at the festival.' The installation was open to the public June 19–24 at the Plaza de la Diversidad in Logrono. Following its debut in Spain, Rooted in Warmth will be exhibited in Saudi Arabia as part of Tanween 2025. As the installation continues its journey to Tanween 2025, it returns to Ithra enriched by its engagement with international audiences and recontextualised at home within the rich architectural dialogue of the Kingdom. Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmed. Tanween is Ithra's annual flagship design event, dedicated to spotlighting excellence in global design and amplifying voices leading creative innovation and to motivating and inspiring a new generation of innovators. The seventh edition of Tanween (2024) invited audiences and creatives for six days of workshops, talks, masterclasses, exhibitions, panel discussions, design challenges and a variety of creative activations under the theme of Fail Forward. The conference was a platform for over 160 designers and creatives from 22 countries. Visitors saw the outcomes of projects from the previous Tanween Challenges, interacted with the stunning display of exhibited works of 50 design and architecture graduates from nine different countries and enjoyed the day with an expert programme of design masterclasses. Tanween 2024 in numbers : 1 Mega Challenge; 100 opportunities created; 26 speakers; 62 activations; 5 exhibitions; and 9 workshops. The second edition of the Tanween Mega Challenge gathered creatives from around the globe to develop design solutions to enrich a pilgrim's Hajj experience. With a view to improve pilgrims' accessibility and comfort, Tanween challenged 70 international innovators to design sustainable and empowering solutions that improve services during the Hajj season. Concéntrico is an urban innovation that rethinks the use of public space and strengthens communities through architecture and design. Since its inception in 2015 as the international Festival of Architecture and Design in Logrono, it has developed more than 150 interventions over ten years, evolving into an expanded platform with a presence in cities such as Milan, Bucharest, Barcelona, Madrid, Dammam, Huesca, besides Logrono. By expanding its footprint and establishing new dates in different locations, Concéntrico seeks to revitalise the dialogue between designers and communities, enriching the festival experience and its relevance in the current context. The new season of Concéntrico introduced a renewed approach with initiatives that included calls for permanent projects, educational programmes, exhibitions, and itinerant installations, consolidating its role as a reference in urbanism and public space discourse. The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It focuses on enriching people's lives by offering impactful cultural and creative programmes and initiatives. Since its opening in 2018, Ithra has become a distinguished cultural and architectural landmark which houses the Idea Lab, Library, Theater, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children's Museum and Knowledge Tower.
Leaders
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Ithra Shines at Spain's "Concéntrico" Festival with Inspired Saudi Agricultural Heritage
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is participating in the international architecture and design festival 'Concéntrico' in Logroño, Spain, with an art installation from June 19 to 24, 2025. Ithra is also supporting an interactive experience inspired by Saudi Arabia's agricultural heritage, presented by Saudi studio 'In-Class.' This initiative reflects Ithra's ongoing commitment to supporting the creative scene and fostering positive cultural exchange between participants, reinforcing its role as a multifaceted cultural and creative hub. 50 Artisans The immersive installation 'Roots of Warmth' by Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad explores life in nature. It was created in collaboration with over 50 female artisans from the city of Al-Jouf and draws inspiration from the artist's Hijazi roots, particularly in the city of Taif, where gathering under the shade of trees is a staple of rural life. In addition, Ithra unveiled a sensory experience titled 'Summer's Bounty' on June 19, 2025, developed by In-Class studio. This unique interactive experience celebrates the Saudi summer through the rich variety of local fruits and herbs. Notably, the immersive installation revives the concept of connection, encouraging visitors to engage with and enter the space to experience a tribute to the deep relationship between agriculture, family bonds, and nature. Cultural Heritage This participation aligns with Ithra's efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage through various initiatives, including Islamic Art conferences, contemporary Islamic crafts exhibitions, and interactive experiences that emphasize discovery and engagement. Ithra opens the door for audiences of all ages to explore the creativity and knowledge embedded in craft traditions, both locally and globally, spreading the essence of Saudi identity to new audiences around the world. Contemporary Artistic Vision Noura Al-Zamil, Head of Programs at Ithra, stated that the center's participation reflects its mission to create a positive impact as a multidimensional cultural destination. She added: 'We are proud to present the remarkable work of artist Raghad Al-Ahmad at the Concéntrico Festival. Commissioning and showcasing this piece at one of Europe's most prominent design festivals embodies Ithra's ongoing support for the creative scene. This initiative offers Saudi artists and artisans a platform to share their voices and creativity with the world, enriching the global cultural landscape. Additionally, the installation 'Roots of Warmth' carries a distinctive national character and is presented through a contemporary artistic lens that radiates balance and harmony, fostering dialogue and cultural exchange among the festival's participants.' Architectural Dialogue It is worth noting that this marks Ithra's second participation in the Concéntrico International Festival of Architecture and Design. The installation will be open to the public from June 19 to 24 in Plaza de la Diversidad in Logroño. Following its debut in Spain, 'Roots of Warmth' will travel to Saudi Arabia to be featured in the 2025 edition of Tanween—Saudi Arabia's flagship annual design event. The festival celebrates global design excellence and highlights leading voices in creative innovation. Finally, the installation will return to Ithra, enriched by its interaction with a global audience, and will be reintroduced within a new local context—continuing a vibrant architectural dialogue that reflects the spirit and creative evolution of the Kingdom. Related Topics : Ithra Center to Celebrate 94th National Day with Exceptional Interactive Performances Saudi FM Takes Part in GCC Ministerial Meeting in Kuwait Saudi Artist Devotes Life to Documenting Al-Qatt Al-Asiri Art Short link : Post Views: 32
