Diriyah Art Futures Launches New Media Artists Program In Saudi Arabia

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) in Saudi Arabia has unveiled the 12 artists selected for its first Emerging New Media Artists Program, set to commence later this year. This initiative showcases a wide array of creative talents from Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program, lasting one year, is fully funded and provides participants with access to advanced professional equipment, a production budget, and learning opportunities with international experts in new media art.

The chosen artists represent various creative practices and backgrounds. Participants include Salma Aly from Egypt, known for interactive art; Samia Dzaïr from Algeria-France, a 2D and stop-motion animator; and Aya Abu Ghazaleh from Jordan, a visual artist and art therapist. Other notable artists are Dhia Dhibi from Tunisia, a multidisciplinary artist; Khaled Makshoush from Saudi Arabia, specializing in pixel art; and William Brooks from Wales, who explores sound art through physical objects.

DAF's collaboration with Le Fresnoy-Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France is part of a broader partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Diriyah Company. This alliance aims to foster creativity at the intersection of art, technology, and academia. Located within Diriyah's UNESCO World Heritage Site, DAF aspires to position Riyadh as a global hub for New Media Art while nurturing future creative leaders.

The program also includes Haonan He from China, who combines cartography with digital technology; Turki Al-Qahtani from Saudi Arabia, reflecting Arab motifs in media art; Youssef El Idrissi from Morocco, a cultural engineer; Kyle Donald Marais from South Africa, an XR developer; Mohamed Al Mubarak from Bahrain, a documentary filmmaker; and Almuqawil Meshal from Saudi Arabia, an independent artist.

DAF was established by the Ministry of Culture as the first center dedicated to new media and digital arts in the MENA region. It serves as a collaborative space for global creators to innovate through research and documentation. The center offers residency programs alongside public events and educational activities for artists and researchers.

DAF aims to enrich Saudi Arabia's artistic scene by highlighting regional talents who impact art, science, and technology. The center seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s status as a global destination for new media arts by providing opportunities for creators worldwide to collaborate on inspiring projects.

Through its initiatives, DAF is committed to pioneering new horizons where art intersects with science and technology. By supporting emerging artists through mentorships with prominent international digital artists, DAF empowers them to leave their mark on the evolving landscape of creative practice.

With inputs from SPA