Diriyah: The third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale opened yesterday, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation under the theme 'In Interludes and Transitions.' The event runs until May 2 at JAX District in Diriyah.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the current edition is overseen by artistic directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed and draws inspiration from transitions, migrations, and transformations that have historically connected the Arabian Peninsula with the rest of the world. The themes explore intersections in collective memory, history, vocabulary, songs, stories, and rhythms.
This event features 68 artists from over 37 countries, presenting more than 25 new artworks specifically commissioned by the foundation. The exhibition is enhanced by a unique scenography created by Italian design studio Formafantasma, which reimagines the industrial architecture of JAX District through visual interventions emphasizing color and form.
Music takes center stage at this year's biennale as a means of understanding the role of oral and auditory heritage in conveying social history across the Arab world and beyond. This is exemplified in the performance piece 'Folding the Tents' (2026) produced by Saudi artist Mohammed Alhamdan, which features a caravan of "Shas" vehicles moving through Wadi Hanifah and JAX, culminating in a musical performance by the Abdullah Miniawy Trio.
Diriyah Biennale Foundation CEO Aya Al-Bakree said the 2026 edition represents the fifth biennale organized by the foundation since its establishment five years ago, showcasing the diversity of artistic talent in various disciplines across the globe.
Artistic directors Razian and Ahmed said the 'In Interludes and Transitions' biennale invites visitors to an immersive artistic experience, engaging with works and ideas that explore a world defined by constant movement and transformation.