Diriyah Art Futures Announces Registration For Inaugural Mazra’ah Media Art Residency In Saudi Arabia

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) has announced its first Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, inviting applications from experienced artists and scholars. This residency, running from February to April 2025, is the MENA region's pioneering hub for new media and digital art. It offers two tracks for those established in these fields, providing access to top-notch studios, production labs, and a budget for production.

The residency aims to foster innovation and intellectual exchange across disciplines. Participants will have their work showcased through exhibitions or scholarly publications facilitated by DAF and its network of regional and international partners. Additional opportunities for recognition include further exhibitions, publications, and artist monographs.

The theme for the 2025 residency is "High-Resolution Dreams of Sand." This theme celebrates DAF as a centre for critical, creative, and scholarly development in new media and digital art. It encourages participants to create work that engages with DAF’s location near Diriyah’s farms, exploring the connection between history and the future.

DAF's facilities are located within Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 6,550-square-meter hub was designed by Italian architects Schiattarella Associati. It combines school, laboratory, and exhibition spaces to bring together artists and technologists at the intersection of past, present, and future.

The residency invites proposals that resonate with contemporary issues and regional interests while engaging with global narratives. It particularly focuses on themes emerging from the MENA region and the Global Majority. Participants will enjoy inspiring living spaces with views of Diriyah’s historic farms.

Ibrahim Alsanousi, Acting CEO of the Museums Commission, stated: "The Mazra’ah Media Art Residency represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the country’s cultural ecosystem and transforming Riyadh into a global hub for new media and digital art." He emphasised Saudi Arabia's role in fostering cultural exchange through this initiative.

Application Process

Artists interested in applying should be established in new media or digital art fields such as sound media or visual media. Scholars working in related areas are also encouraged to apply. Applications are open globally but particularly welcome from the MENA region.

Dr. Haytham Nawar, Director at DAF, remarked: "This dynamic residency offers established artists and scholars an unparalleled opportunity to develop new creative practices." He invited passionate individuals in these rapidly evolving fields to apply.

The word "Mazra’ah" translates to "farm" in Arabic, reflecting DAF’s location overlooking Diriyah's preserved farms. These farms have historically been vital sources of sustenance since Diriyah was the capital of the first Saudi state.

Interested candidates can learn more about criteria and proposals by visiting DAF's website before applying for this unique opportunity.

With inputs from SPA