RIYADH — An exhibition exploring the relationship between social change and architecture is opening in Riyadh on Saturday. Organized by the ministry of culture as part of quality of life initiatives, the ‘From Within' exhibition will run till Dec. 26. It includes artworks of more than 27 artists from across the Arab World — including Saudi Arabia — which looks at how architecture impacts social behaviors and how urban spaces themselves generate human emotions. This theme resonates strongly with the Middle East — where societies have transformed rapidly over the years alongside the urban environment — and in Saudi Arabia, where unprecedented and historic cultural transformation is underway. From Within will run for three weeks and is the first part of a wider plan by the ministry to transform the historic Ad-Diriyah industrial district into a creative and cultural zone which will host local and international artists. Through "From Within", the ministry of sulture is continuing with its efforts to develop and guide a thriving cultural sector which contributes to the economy, embeds arts and culture into citizens', residents' and visitors' everyday lives and acts as a voice for homegrown creative talent. Visual art is one of the 16 cultural sub-sectors that the ministry is seeking to develop as part of its ongoing delivery of the cultural vision announced earlier this year.
