2024 Diriyah Art Biennale Doubles Its Visitor Count, Showcasing Global Talent

The second edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, titled "After Rain," concluded successfully, drawing over 222,341 visitors between February 20 and its closing date. This figure more than doubles the attendance of the inaugural edition held in 2022. Organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event took place in the JAX District, a creative hub in the historic town of Diriyah.

The exhibition featured 177 works by 100 artists from 44 countries, including 47 new commissions supported by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. Under the artistic direction of Ute Meta Bauer and co-curators Wejdan Reda, Rose Lejeune, Anca Rujoiu, Ana Salazar, and adjunct curator Rahul Gudipudi, "After Rain" was designed as a dynamic platform rather than a static display.

The Biennale included an exhibition, public programs under the Biennale Encounters series, a film program, performances and storytelling sessions, research projects, and dialogues. Over 32% of the visitors were young people under 32 years old, and 4.5% were children under 18 years old. More than 75% of attendees were residents of Saudi Arabia.

Educational Initiatives

The diverse public program attracted over 11,000 participants. More than 8,000 children from 200 schools visited as part of the educational program. Additionally, over 2,900 people participated in 463 guided tours through the exhibition. The majority of visitors came from local communities in Diriyah and Riyadh.

Closing Week Events

During the closing week, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation hosted a series of events including panel talks, performances, concerts, and DJ sets. These events were attended by families, local community members, and international guests.

Statements from Key Figures

Artistic Director Ute Meta Bauer expressed her gratitude: "After Rain has been an incredible and rewarding journey for me. I am deeply grateful to my co-curators and the entire Diriyah Biennale Foundation team for their tireless support and dedication."

CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation Aya Al Bakree stated: "I am immensely proud of what the Diriyah Biennale Foundation team has achieved with the second edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. The impressive visitor numbers are a testament to the powerful role of art in bringing people together."

Acknowledgements

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation extends its thanks to the curatorial team and all participating artists, institutions, lenders, partners, and supporters who contributed to this edition's success.

With inputs from SPA