Riyadh: The Saudi Visual Arts Commission has unveiled the program and participants for its inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh, taking place from 6-13 April 2025. The week-long celebration of Saudi Arabia's dynamic art scene will take place across various cultural sites, including JAX District and Al Mousa Center among other locations across Riyadh, bringing together leading local, regional, and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
According to Saudi Press Agency, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission Dina Amin stated that Art Week Riyadh is an opportunity to bring together the many layers of Saudi Arabia's art scene. She emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful conversations and strengthening connections between local and global artistic communities. Dina Amin added that the event aims to shape the future of art in the region by weaving together different voices and historical stages.
Head of Art Week Riyadh Princess Adwaa bint Yazeed bin Abdullah Al Saud highlighted that the initiative embodies a firm belief in art's power to inspire, challenge, and connect people. It is not only about presenting exceptional works but also about creating a space where ideas, histories, and creative visions intersect, reflecting Riyadh's dynamism and continuous growth.
The inaugural edition is themed "At The Edge," curated around three thematic threads: Everyday Life, Landscapes, and Motifs. "At The Edge" reflects the fluid intersections between tradition and innovation, local narratives, and global influences.
JAX District will host the flagship exhibition, featuring over 45 galleries from the Kingdom, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as international galleries. These galleries will present curated selections exploring the evolving cultural dialogues between Saudi Arabia, the wider MENA region, and the global contemporary art scene. JAX District will also feature exhibitions in partnership with influential cultural institutions, emphasizing the critical role of patronage and collecting in shaping and preserving visual culture in the Kingdom. Notably, there will be a curated presentation of artworks from the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) collection.
Art Jameel will present artworks highlighting key milestones in the development of video art in the region, addressing themes such as identity, belonging, and cultural transformations. Additionally, the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) will explore the progression of Saudi abstraction through the practices of key figures like Al-Saleem, Abdulhalim Radwi, and Taha Al-Sabban, alongside a new generation of practitioners.
At the Al Mousa Center, over 15 galleries will present solo and group exhibitions specially conceived for Art Week Riyadh. Participating galleries include AV Gallery, Abstract Art Gallery, and Wrd Art Gallery, reflecting the diverse artistic scene in the Kingdom and highlighting Saudi art pioneers and emerging talents.
Art Week Riyadh will also feature a diverse cultural program at JAX District, entitled "How to Art World? Lessons in Value." This program will include a series of talks and workshops involving local and global art institutions. A dedicated moving image program will highlight the medium's capacity to explore complex personal, cultural, and social narratives. Leading Saudi artists, such as Ahmed Mater, Ayman Zedani, Marwah AlMugait, and Muhannad Shono, will open their studios to the public.
Riyadh Art Week provides an opportunity to explore the capital's prominent museums and art destinations. The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) will present exhibitions such as Art of the Kingdom and Adaptability Ceramics, along with experimental workshops and pop-ups.
The event will also allow visitors to learn about the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (WRTH), Shamalat, Hewar Gallery, and the studios of leading Saudi artists like Ali Al Ruzaiza, Lulwah Al Homoud, and Abdullah AlOthman. These destinations reflect the convergence between past and present, shedding light on the dynamic transformation in the Saudi art scene.
Art Week Riyadh is an initiative of the Saudi Visual Arts Commission designed to explore Riyadh's evolving cultural scene and enhance the city's presence on the local, regional, and international stages. The program aims to establish a thriving, engaging environment that honors the past, celebrates the present, and builds for the future, showcasing the depth and breadth of Saudi Arabia's art landscape.