In a significant move to establish itself as a global cultural hub, Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission has announced the curatorial team for the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh. Scheduled to take place from April 6 to 13, 2025, this event aims to showcase the Kingdom’s rapidly growing art scene, blending local traditions with contemporary global perspectives. The announcement underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural transformation, aligned with its Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance its cultural presence globally.
A Distinguished Curatorial Team
The curatorial team for Art Week Riyadh brings together a mix of local expertise and international experience. Leading the team is Vittoria Matarrese, serving as the Artistic Director and Curator. Matarrese’s impressive background includes her role as Director of the Bally Foundation in Switzerland and her leadership at Paris’s Palais de Tokyo, where she headed the performing arts department. Known for her innovative approach, Matarrese’s vision is expected to bridge contemporary art practices with the Kingdom’s unique cultural identity.
Supporting her is Basma Harasani, a Saudi curator and art advisor, who will act as Associate Curator. Harasani’s deep understanding of the local art scene is invaluable for connecting Saudi artists with the global art community. Her expertise ensures that the voices and perspectives of Saudi artists are prominently represented.
Another key figure is Victoria Gandit Lelandais, also serving as an Associate Curator. Specializing in contemporary art from the Arab world, Lelandais brings a nuanced understanding of the regional art landscape, which will help in curating a program that resonates both locally and internationally.
Additionally, Shumon Basar, a respected writer, curator, and cultural commentator in the Gulf region, joins the team as the Curator for the Public Programme. Basar’s role focuses on fostering public engagement through a series of talks, performances, and interactive sessions that aim to deepen the dialogue between artists and audiences.
Thematic Focus: “At The Edge”
Art Week Riyadh’s first edition is themed “At The Edge”, a concept that reflects Riyadh’s ongoing cultural evolution and its expanding presence on the international stage. This theme captures the essence of a city balancing rapid modernization with the preservation of its rich heritage. It also speaks to the broader regional transformation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a new epicenter for contemporary art in the Middle East.
Matarrese explained that the theme represents an opportunity to engage with a city and a region undergoing profound cultural shifts. She highlighted how the theme is designed to explore the coexistence of tradition and acceleration in Saudi society. According to Harasani, the theme also emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining its cultural authenticity while embracing artistic innovation.
Art Week Riyadh: What to Expect
The event will be centered in the JAX District, an emerging cultural area in Riyadh. It will feature a curated selection of artworks from over 30 local, regional, and international galleries. The diverse lineup aims to attract a broad audience, ranging from art enthusiasts to collectors and cultural scholars.
Art Week Riyadh will include a series of exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and panel discussions. The public program, curated by Shumon Basar, is designed to foster meaningful interactions between artists, curators, and visitors. The discussions will cover a range of topics, including the role of art in cultural diplomacy and the impact of globalization on local art practices.
By uniting major cultural institutions, galleries, prominent collections, and independent art spaces, Art Week Riyadh aims to create a cohesive and immersive experience for its visitors. The event’s focus on collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to develop a sustainable art ecosystem that supports local talent and attracts international interest.
Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Renaissance
The launch of Art Week Riyadh is part of a broader cultural renaissance in Saudi Arabia, led by the Ministry of Culture and its various commissions. This initiative is in line with Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing its dependency on oil. By investing heavily in cultural projects, the Kingdom is seeking to redefine its global image, showcasing a more open and progressive society.
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in museums, galleries, film festivals, and music concerts. The establishment of Art Week Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to positioning itself as a global cultural hub. According to Harasani, the event is a testament to the remarkable progress Saudi Arabia has made in establishing itself within the global cultural narrative.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the vision for Art Week Riyadh is ambitious, it is not without challenges. The Kingdom’s art scene is still relatively young, and building a sustainable ecosystem will require continued investment and international partnerships. However, the curatorial team’s diverse expertise and the government’s commitment to cultural development present a promising outlook.
The event also serves as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of Saudi culture. By inviting international artists and curators to engage directly with the local scene, Art Week Riyadh aims to facilitate a genuine exchange of ideas and perspectives.
A Glimpse into the Future
The success of Art Week Riyadh could pave the way for more large-scale cultural events in the Kingdom. It could also inspire a new generation of Saudi artists to pursue careers in the arts, supported by a growing network of galleries, institutions, and educational programs. The long-term goal is to establish Riyadh as a key destination for contemporary art in the Middle East and beyond.
As anticipation builds for the inaugural edition, Art Week Riyadh stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s cultural aspirations and its determination to play a leading role in the global art scene. The carefully selected curatorial team, the diverse program, and the thematic focus all suggest that this event will be a milestone in the Kingdom’s cultural journey.
In the words of Matarrese, Art Week Riyadh is not just an exhibition but a dialogue—a platform for exploring how tradition and modernity can coexist and evolve. For Saudi Arabia, it represents a step closer to achieving its vision of becoming a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
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