All About the Art Week
From April 6 to 13, 2025, Riyadh will host the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh, a landmark event that highlights the vibrant and growing art scene in Saudi Arabia. This week-long celebration will bring together local and international galleries, artists, cultural institutions, collectors, and art lovers. Hosted by the Visual Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia, this non-commercial initiative aims to strengthen and expand the country’s visual arts sector while showcasing its diverse and evolving art landscape.
A Showcase of Art and Culture
Headquartered at the JAX District in the historic town of Diriyah, Art Week Riyadh will feature a series of exciting exhibitions, public programs, and engaging events across the city. The theme for the first edition is “At The Edge,” which explores transitions and boundaries, reflecting Riyadh’s emerging role as a global cultural hub.
Key Highlights
- Exhibitions: Art Week Riyadh will feature works from over 45 local, regional, and international galleries. These curated exhibitions will delve into the interplay between tradition and innovation, as well as local and global art influences.
- Collectors’ Exhibitions: For the first time, private collections will be on display, offering an exclusive look at artworks not usually available to the public. These exhibitions emphasize the importance of patronage in shaping and preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity.
- Public Programming: The week will also offer a range of talks, workshops, and performances aimed at fostering education, collaboration, and creativity. The public program, led by curator Shumon Basar, will feature contributions from major cultural institutions like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Gagosian.
International and Local Participation
Art Week Riyadh brings together an exciting mix of galleries from around the world, including those from Tunisia, Bahrain, UAE, India, Egypt, and France. These international voices will join with Saudi galleries to present a rich array of contemporary art. Notable participants include Ayyam Gallery (UAE), Gallery Misr (Egypt), and Perrotin (France), alongside prominent local galleries such as Ahlam Gallery and AV Gallery from Saudi Arabia.
In addition, the Al Mousa Center in central Riyadh will host over 15 galleries, showcasing solo and group exhibitions that reflect Saudi Arabia’s diverse artistic talents.
Special Collections on Display
A unique feature of Art Week Riyadh will be the Collections in Dialogue exhibition, where private collections and important cultural institutions will present works that reveal the country’s evolving visual culture. Some notable collections include:
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra): Presenting works by international and Saudi artists such as Mohammad Alfaraj and Michelangelo Pistoletto.
- Art Jameel: Featuring experimental film and video works by artists from Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.
- Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG): Curating an exhibition that explores Saudi abstraction through the works of artists like Mohammed Al-Saleem and Taha Al-Sabban.
Public Engagement
In addition to the exhibitions, Art Week Riyadh will host a series of public events aimed at encouraging dialogue and reflection on the role of art in society. At the JAX District, visitors will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about the evolving art world, attend workshops, and view installations by leading Saudi artists such as Ahmed Mater and Marwah AlMugait.
The event will also highlight Riyadh’s newest cultural spaces, with museums and galleries like the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts and Hewar Gallery offering special programming throughout the week.
A Step Toward the Future
As Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission works to build a sustainable and dynamic art ecosystem, Art Week Riyadh serves as a platform for growth, education, and collaboration. Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, emphasized that this event is about connecting local talent with international communities, helping to shape the future of the art world in Saudi Arabia.
Her Highness Princess Adwaa bint Yazeed bin Abdullah Al Saud, Head of Art Week Riyadh, shared that the event aims to create an inclusive space for ideas, histories, and creative visions to intersect, offering a vision for Riyadh’s future as a dynamic cultural hub.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the past, present, and future of Saudi Arabia’s visual arts in one exciting week.
Dates: April 6–13, 2025
Locations: JAX District, Al Mousa Center, and cultural venues across Riyadh
To buy your tickets, visit webook.com.
Also See: How Is the Saudi Cultural Development Fund Empowering Visual Arts at Art Week Riyadh 2025?
