Diriyah Art Futures And Schiattarella Associati Explore Future Of Saudi Art And Architecture In Venice

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), a pioneering hub for New Media and Digital Arts in the Middle East and North Africa, is set to host a significant panel discussion. This event, titled "A New Era for Art in Saudi Arabia: Building Future Institutions and Pioneering Architectures," will occur at the Querini Stampalia Foundation in Venice. It coincides with the opening of the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025.

The panel will delve into how modern design and digital advancements interact with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and architectural legacy to shape future cultural institutions. Participants include Mona Khazindar from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, DAF Director Dr. Haytham Nawar, and Andrea and Amadeo Schiattarella from Schiattarella Associati. James Steele, a renowned architect and art critic, will moderate the discussion.

This dialogue is part of "Building of the Future," an initiative that showcases leading global architectural projects redefining contemporary design. The event aims to foster discussions among architects, cultural leaders, artists, and media about Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the international creative and architectural scene.

The accompanying exhibition at Querini Stampalia Foundation will be curated by Schiattarella Associati. It will feature models, sketches, videos, drawings, photographs, and objects that immerse visitors in DAF’s visionary architecture. The exhibition highlights how DAF integrates historical context with innovative design to create a technologically advanced cultural landmark.

Schiattarella Associati designed DAF to emerge from Diriyah’s rocky landscape while incorporating modern elements. This design symbolizes DAF’s commitment to future-focused arts while honouring Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage. The exhibition opens on May 7 and continues until an unspecified date.

DAF's project falls under the Saudi Museums Commission's umbrella and contributes significantly to Riyadh’s transformation into a global hub for creative exploration as part of Vision 2030. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to becoming a leader in cultural exchange on the world stage.

The panel discussion will explore how DAF serves as a model for blending historical context with forward-thinking design. It aims to create a vibrant cultural landmark that is both dynamic and technologically advanced.

With inputs from SPA