Engage With Innovative Art Programs At Diriyah Art Futures This January

The Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) centre is hosting a series of events in January, showcasing art's limitless possibilities. These include performances, discussions, and workshops aimed at sparking creativity. The events are part of the inaugural exhibition, "Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts," which began on January 3 with a talk titled "Cartographies of a Future." This session featured ScanLAB Projects demonstrating 3D scanning as an innovative way to capture memories.

On January 4, attendees experienced "Echos II," a sound performance using nature and Tunisian Atlas field recordings. The same day included a talk called "Raw Material," exploring humanity's link to nature and Earth's resources' inherent value. Another notable event is scheduled for January 17, titled "Creative Convergences: The Intersections Between Art and Science." This discussion will delve into the fusion of art and science through works involving genetically modified materials, biomedia, robotics, data visualisation, video mapping, and augmented reality.

The centre also offers practical workshops. On January 3 and 4, the workshop "Memory in Three Dimensions" introduced participants to the relationship between 3D scanning technology and human memory. Two more workshops are planned for January 17 and 18. The first one, "Creative Photogrammetry: Digital Memories and Intangible Moments," will teach participants how to create 3D virtual models from images. The second workshop, "Academy of Neglected Material," focuses on sustainable art practices by transforming discarded materials into innovative art projects.

From January 30 to February 1, a three-day workshop titled "Cultural Totems: Sculpting Saudi Heritage with 3D Printing" will explore Saudi culture through digital fabrication techniques. Additionally, on January 31 and February 1, the workshop "Unpacking Midjourney" will introduce participants to generative AI art using the Midjourney platform.

The Diriyah Art Futures centre was established by the Saudi Museums Commission as a hub for art, research, and education. It aims to foster interdisciplinary creativity where art intersects with science and technology. As the first institution in the Middle East and North Africa focusing on new media and digital arts, it invites artists and researchers to engage in public events, educational programs, and residency opportunities.

The centre's mission is to enrich Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape by positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in new media and digital arts while highlighting regional artists' contributions to global discussions on art, science, and technology.

With inputs from SPA