La Fabrique: Riyadh Art And Institut Français Launch Creative Space In JAX District

Riyadh Art has opened "La Fabrique," a temporary creative space at Riyadh Art Hub in JAX District, running from January 22 to February 14. The project links Saudi Arabia and France through joint cultural work. Artists use the venue to experiment, share ideas, and shape new contemporary artworks together.

The initiative is designed as an open laboratory where creative projects are developed in full view of visitors. Members of the public can observe work in progress, speak with artists, and see how concepts change over time. This approach aims to bring artistic practice into everyday public spaces across Riyadh.

Riyadh Art created La Fabrique with L’Institut Français in Saudi Arabia as part of an ongoing Saudi-French cultural partnership. The programme is intended to support long-term cooperation, rather than a single exhibition. It highlights cultural dialogue between the two countries through shared projects and regular interaction between creative communities.

French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave said La Fabrique represents a further step in Saudi-French cultural cooperation, noting that a shared workspace allows artists from both countries to exchange skills and perspectives. Maisonnave stated that this supports contemporary artistic expression and highlights art’s role in building communication and mutual understanding between societies.

Royal Commission for Riyadh City Senior Director of Public Art Omar AlBraik said the launch extends Riyadh Art’s support for contemporary artistic practices and access to creative development. According to AlBraik, the space encourages collaborative work, helping strengthen Riyadh’s cultural ecosystem and its growing creative scene across multiple disciplines.

Within La Fabrique, artists present performance art, digital and interactive works, photography, music, cinema, and participatory activities. These disciplines are brought together in one location, encouraging experimentation across forms. By opening the space to audiences until February 14, organisers seek to keep artistic production visible and closely connected to local communities.

With inputs from SPA