The Saudi Visual Arts Commission has announced the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh, a landmark initiative aimed at celebrating Saudi Arabia's vibrant and evolving art scene. Scheduled from April 6 to 13, 2025, the event will bring together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Art Week Riyadh, a non-commercial initiative, seeks to foster a collaborative environment for the visual arts, ensuring their growth and sustainability for future generations. The event will take place across Riyadh, centered in the JAX District of the historic town of Diriyah, featuring a diverse array of exhibitions, workshops, and public programming. The week-long event will showcase works by established and emerging artists through exhibitions curated by prominent Saudi and international galleries. Visitors will also have exclusive access to private collectors' exhibitions, offering a rare glimpse into unique art collections. In addition, engaging talks, workshops, and performances are set to enrich and inspire the audience, emphasizing education, collaboration, and inclusivity. Under the theme "At The Edge," the inaugural Art Week Riyadh will explore concepts of thresholds, transitions, and liminal spaces, highlighting Riyadh's role as a hub for global cultural exchange. Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, stated, "Art Week Riyadh is about building a robust and inclusive framework—one that supports innovation, creativity, and thought leadership, with an unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing culture. By bringing together diverse elements of the Saudi art sector, it aims to empower practitioners and foster a shared vision of growth, opportunity, and cultural enrichment." As one of the 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, the Visual Arts Commission continues to lead the development of the visual arts in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that the nation's rich cultural heritage and artistic talent are celebrated on the global stage. — SG
