The fourth edition of BIENALSUR is here.
The Saudi Museums Commission, one of eleven sectors under the Ministry of Culture, today inaugurated the fourth Saudi edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of South America, BIENALSUR, at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in JAX District, Diriyah, further strengthening the Kingdom’s dialogue with the world through contemporary art.
Running from 15 October to 31 December 2025, “Let’s Play: A Labyrinth of Options” at the fourth edition of BIENALSUR brings together 26 international and Saudi artists under a unifying theme that encourages choice, chance and imagination
fourth edition of BIENALSUR
Curated by BIENALSUR Artistic Director Diana Wechsler, the exhibition is part of BIENALSUR’s 10th anniversary edition. Originating at the Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTREF) in Buenos Aires and supported by UNESCO, the biennial now spans more than 70 cities and 140 institutions worldwide. The Riyadh chapter advances SAMoCA’s mission to foster cultural exchange, empower Saudi talent and broaden access to contemporary art in the Kingdom.
At the opening of the fourth edition of BIENALSUR visitors experienced a museum transformed by light, sound and movement, with many works inviting direct participation. Audience-activated pieces, interactive sculptures and walkable installations set the tone for a dynamic experience, inspiring families, students and art enthusiasts alike.
Alongside the three-month exhibition, SAMoCA is also presenting two additional programmes, titled SAFAR and MUNTADA SAMoCA, to broaden engagement and welcome new audiences.SAFAR is an outdoor concert series at SAMoCA, opening the museum to music lovers, younger audiences and culturally curious visitors, fostering collaboration between diverse disciplines and nurturing a growing community around the museum. This season’s independent circuit lineup features a dynamic array of performers, including:
- Bon Entendeur, a French electro-chill collective blending disco, funk, and hip-hop, performs in Riyadh for the first time on 28 October.
- Keziah Jones, a Nigerian “Blufunk” pioneer blending blues, funk, soul, and Yoruba heritage, is set to showcase his percussive guitar style on 12 November.
- Love and Revenge, a duo reimagining Oum Kalthoum’s legacy through electronic music and cinematic visuals, will perform Agmal Layali on 8 December. A masterclass with Wael Kodeih will take place on December 7.
Running alongside the fourth edition of BIENALSUR from Sunday, November 2 to Saturday, November 8, MUNTADA SAMoCA is a weeklong public programme of masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and film screenings under the theme “Focus on Image: Tools, Language and its Power”. The programme explores how images are made, read and shared today, with sessions held by leading artistic practitioners.
SAR25. Wed Oct 15-Wed Dec 31. Saudi Arabian Museum of Contemporary Art, Diriyah, @samocamoc / webook.com.
