Saudi Arabia Museum Of Contemporary Art Unveils Fourth Edition Of BIENALSUR In Diriyah's JAX District

The Museums Commission has launched the fourth Saudi edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South (BIENALSUR) at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in Diriyah's JAX District. Themed "Let’s Play: A Labyrinth of Options," this event aims to foster cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the global community through contemporary art.

Running until December, this exhibition is overseen by BIENALSUR Artistic Director Diana Wechsler and showcases 26 artists from both within and outside Saudi Arabia. This edition marks BIENALSUR's 10th anniversary, which began at the Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTREF) in Buenos Aires with UNESCO's support. Over a decade, it has expanded to over 70 cities and 140 cultural institutions globally.

The opening ceremony featured interactive artworks blending light, sound, and movement. These pieces invite visitors to reflect on choice, experimentation, and rediscovery. The exhibition transforms art into a playful space for contemplation and human connection, offering an inspiring artistic experience.

SAMoCA is also hosting two additional artistic programs as part of BIENALSUR. The first program, "SAFAR," is a concert series running from November 12 to December 7. It features international independent artists performing near the museum to attract music lovers and encourage collaboration among different art forms.

The SAFAR program includes notable performances: French band Bon Entendeur will debut in Saudi Arabia on October 28; Nigerian artist Keziah Jones will perform on November 12; and Love and Revenge will conclude on December 8 with a concert reimagining Umm Kulthum's legacy through electronic music and cinematic visuals. On December 7, artist Wael Kodeih will conduct a masterclass as part of the event's training program.

The second program, "MUNTADA," runs from November 2 to 8. It includes workshops, advanced courses, panel discussions, and film screenings under the theme "Focus on Image: Tools, Language, and Its Power." This program features leading practitioners exploring modern image creation, interpretation, and sharing.

Empowering Saudi Artists

SAMoCA continues to establish itself as a national platform for modern art and a bridge for creative exchange between Saudi artists and those worldwide. This reflects the Museums Commission’s commitment to supporting Saudi artists' international presence in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to build a thriving cultural society and sustainable creative economy.

With inputs from SPA