Explore Eight Exhibitions Highlighting Design And Innovation At Ithra's Tanween 2023
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, has unveiled the program for its eighth annual Tanween event. Scheduled from November 17 to 22, the theme this year is "Design the Unspoken." The event will delve into how design can address needs that have not yet been articulated.
Tanween 2025 offers a diverse array of activities and exhibitions. It features more than eight international and hosted exhibitions, alongside the Tanween Majlis, which includes over 20 speakers. Attendees can also participate in three "Day with an Expert" sessions, seven hands-on workshops, four walk-in activities, and the Tanween Design Market.

This year's program aims to unite prominent figures from the global design community. The goal is to explore innovative ideas, encourage collaboration, and create tangible impacts through various workshops, talks, and design challenges. These activities are designed to foster new perspectives and solutions in design.
The exhibition lineup is particularly noteworthy. It includes "The Exo-Cortex," an immersive experience by French artist Jérémy Oury. Another highlight is "Shared Oasis: Design That Listens," co-curated with Ithra’s creative partner Isola. This exhibition promises to offer unique insights into responsive design.
"Terminal G" is another key exhibition presented in collaboration with carpet specialists Iwan Maktabi and designed by BrickLab. Additionally, "Mujassam Watan" is hosted by the Alfozan Social Foundation. These exhibitions showcase diverse aspects of design innovation and cultural expression.
"Habitat Unspoken" by Rizo Masr focuses on risograph printing and ‘zine-making. Meanwhile, "Designed in Saudi," presented by the Architecture and Design Commission at the Ministry of Culture, highlights local design talent. These exhibitions aim to celebrate both traditional and contemporary design practices.
Celebrating Tradition and Innovation
"From the Lab" offers a materials-focused showcase that highlights experimental design research. This exhibition provides insights into cutting-edge materials and techniques being explored in modern design practices.
Another exhibition, "Baseqat: The Palm Tree Exhibition," celebrates Saudi palm weaving traditions while offering contemporary interpretations of Khoos craftsmanship. This exhibition underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity.
Ithra Museum's ongoing exhibitions are also part of this expansive design experience. These exhibitions contribute to a comprehensive exploration of both historical and contemporary design themes within Saudi Arabia.
The Tanween event promises to be a significant gathering for those interested in exploring how unspoken needs can be addressed through thoughtful design solutions. By bringing together diverse voices from around the world, it aims to inspire new approaches and collaborations in the field of design.
With inputs from SPA