Misk Art Institute Unveils Annual Creative Forum 2024 With Focus On Media And Technology

The Misk Art Institute, part of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), has revealed plans for its annual Creative Forum 2024. Scheduled for November 1 and 2, the event will be hosted at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, also known as Misk City. This marks the fifth edition of the forum, which includes panel discussions, interactive activities, and performances.

Since its inception in 2020, the Creative Forum has become a significant component of Misk Art Week, a major initiative by the Misk Art Institute. Reem Al Sultan, CEO of the institute, expressed enthusiasm about this year's event. "Hosting the Creative Forum at Misk City marks our first step toward moving into the Misk Art Institute building in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in 2025. We will also unveil expanded programs and activities aimed at fostering the growth of the cultural and arts sector in the Kingdom and supporting artists," she stated.

This year's forum is themed "Media and Technology" and will bring together global thought leaders and experts at Misk City's Experience Center. The discussions will explore how media and technology can open new avenues for artists and society. Topics include media's role in promoting interactive participation and technology's impact on exploration and interaction.

In line with this theme, an exhibition titled The Silent Age of Singularity will be presented by the Misk Art Institute. It will run from November 1 to December 31 at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. Curated by Basma Al-Shathry, Director of the Curatorial Department, with Aram Al-Ajaji as Assistant Curator, it examines technology's pervasive influence on society in the post-internet era.

The exhibition aims to showcase how satellites, television, and the Internet have transformed global connectivity, cultural exchange, and information dissemination. "The Internet has evolved from simply a communication tool to an essential part of our daily lives. Our exhibition examines the changes that have transformed the ways we communicate, create, and understand the world," noted Al-Shathry.

A diverse group of artists will participate in this exhibition. These include Ibrahim Abumsmar (Saudi Arabia), Mahdi Al Jeraibi (Saudi Arabia), Turki Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia), Omar Al-Zahrani (Saudi Arabia), Mohammed Sharrouro (Morocco), Ayman Yasser Didban (Palestine/Saudi Arabia), Iman Al-Jabreen (Saudi Arabia), Mounir Fatmi (Morocco), Saeed Qamh?w? (Saudi Arabia), Samia Halabi (Palestine), David Hockney (United Kingdom), Sofiane El Idrissi (Morocco), Ziad Kaaki (Saudi Arabia), Khaled Makhshoush (Saudi Arabia), Ahmed Matar (Saudi Arabia), Bennett Miller (United States), Nam June Paik (Korea), John Salvest (United States), Faisal Samra (Saudi Arabia), and Anya Soliman (Egypt/Poland).

The Creative Forum 2024 promises to be an engaging event that highlights advancements in media and technology while fostering artistic growth within Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape.

With inputs from SPA