“Visual Arts” reviews cultural exchange programs and launches the Artistic Movement Project
Issued The Visual Arts Authority issued its annual report for the year 2025, revealing the implementation of a package of local and international programs to develop the sector, and this coincided with the launch of the “Bidayat” project to document the emergence of Saudi Art Movement Early 2026.
The Authority explained in its report the implementation of the “Bridges of Art” initiative for the years 2025 and 2026 to develop professional skills and enhance cultural exchange. The first station of the initiative was launched from Scotland, to include Japan and South Korea, before concluding its work in Spain.
Contemporary artistic issues
The Visual Arts Authority indicated that the capital, Riyadh, is hosting “Riyadh Art Week” under the slogan “On the Outskirts of the Horizon” to present local and international exhibitions. It also indicated the implementation of the “Angles and Ideas” program to discuss contemporary artistic issues in Riyadh, Paris, and Seoul.
The Authority mentioned the relaunch of the program Artistic guidance and guidance to support emerging artists, curators and writers. She pointed out the organization of the “Biography and Journey” exhibition by the artist Saad Al-Obaid in The Palace of Culture in the Embassy Districtin Riyadh, in cooperation with the Misk Arts Institute.
Guided tours
On the international level, the report revealed the holding of an exhibition showcasing the artistic career of the artist Ahmed Mater, in the city of Shanghai within the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year. The exhibition lasted for three months, showcasing 108 works of art across multiple media, in addition to workshops and guided tours.
The authority added that it continued to develop the “establishing a meeting” program. In the Jax neighborhood in Diriyah to provide spaces for artistic production and research, these residencies extended to include the international arena through the “Encounter – Bosch Residency” program in the French capital, Paris.
Open Meetings
She confirmed holding a series of open meetings to develop talents, in addition to organizing the third edition of the “Kingdom Prize for Photography.” The award was accompanied by the exhibition “Your Eyes Neighborhood” and “When the Fog Whispers” in a beautiful neighborhood in Jeddah.
The award concluded its work by transferring the “Your Eyes Neighborhood” exhibition to the “Abbazia” building in the Italian city of Venice to enhance its global presence.
At the beginning of 2026, the Authority launched its research project “Beginnings: The Beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement” through an exhibition at the National Museum in Riyadh.
The exhibition paves the way for a cultural initiative that documents The emergence of the artistic movement in the Kingdom from the 1960s until the 1980s.
The Authority is moving during the current year to expand its local and international partnerships to consolidate the Kingdom’s position in the contemporary art scene.
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