Diriyah Art Futures Opens Registration for Inaugural Mazra’ah Residency

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the Middle East and North Africa region’s first hub dedicated to new media and digital art, has announced that registration is now open for its inaugural Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, a three-month program running from February to April 2025. According to a press release from DAF, the residency will welcome established artists and scholars from around the world to develop new work at the intersection of art, technology, and nature. Set within the historic Diriyah landscape, the initiative marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s cultural expansion under Vision 2030.

The Mazra’ah Media Art Residency is designed to foster innovation and intellectual exchange across disciplines. Participants will have access to world-class studios, production laboratories, and a dedicated production budget. Work created during the residency will be showcased through exhibitions or published in scholarly publications facilitated by DAF and its regional and international partners. How does such a program reshape the global map of digital art? By offering a platform where regional perspectives meet global narratives, DAF positions Saudi Arabia as a catalyst for creative and scholarly development.

Context and Background: A Hub for New Media in the Heart of Diriyah

Diriyah Art Futures is a state-of-the-art amalgamation of school, laboratory, and exhibition space, set to launch later this year. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, the 6,550-square-meter hub was designed by the Italian architectural firm Schiattarella Associati. It brings together artists and technologists at the intersection of past, present, and future. The name “Mazra’ah” means “farm” in Arabic, a reference to DAF’s location overlooking the preserved farms and archaeological sites of Diriyah. These farms have provided a crucial source of sustenance since the time of historic Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state.

Residents are invited to embrace this creative and scholarly retreat, hidden from the bustle of daily life, where they can reflect on how relationships between humans, nature, and technology can sustain and enrich life. The 2025 residency theme, High-Resolution Dreams of Sand, celebrates DAF as a beacon of critical, creative, and scholarly development, amplifying regional perspectives in new media and digital art. The theme encourages participants to produce work that engages with the context of DAF’s physical location adjacent to Diriyah’s farms and interrogates the bridge between history and the future. Why is this blend of heritage and innovation so vital for the region? It invites reflections on humanity’s relationship with nature and technology, resonating with contemporary issues and global narratives, especially those emerging from the MENA region and the Global Majority.

Key Details: Tracks, Eligibility, and Application Process

The residency offers two distinct tracks for artists and scholars established in the fields of new media and digital arts. Artists applying for the artist track should be established and practicing in new media and digital art, working across sound media, visual media, and computational, biological, scientific, or technology-related methodologies. DAF will also consider established writers, scholars, and theorists in new media and digital art, or technology and culture, for the scholars’ track. DAF welcomes applications from across the world and encourages participation from the MENA region.

Interested candidates can learn more about the criteria and proposals and apply for the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency until January 20, 2025, using the following link: here. The three-month residency provides participants with a production budget and access to advanced facilities. Work developed during the residencies will be showcased through exhibitions or incorporated into scholarly publications facilitated by DAF and its network of regional and international partners. There will also be opportunities for broader recognition and engagement through additional exhibitions, publications, and artist monographs. DAF will offer comfortable and inspiring living spaces while creating opportunities for participants to connect with a diverse network of peers and professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the world.

Acting CEO of the Museums Commission Ibrahim Alsanousi said: “The Mazra’ah Media Art Residency represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the country’s cultural ecosystem and transforming Riyadh into a global hub for new media and digital art. Through these efforts, we are establishing the Kingdom as a hub of cultural exchange, pioneering new forms of expression in the heart of one of our most cherished historic districts.” Director at DAF Dr. Haytham Nawar added: “This dynamic residency offers established artists and scholars an unparalleled opportunity to develop new creative practices and contribute to global scholarly discussions on new media art through a regional perspective. We invite those passionate about these rapidly evolving fields to apply. This is where the impossible comes to life.” How often do artists get the chance to work in a UNESCO World Heritage Site with such comprehensive support? This residency offers precisely that rare combination.

International and Regional Impact: Bridging Global and Local Narratives

The Mazra’ah Media Art Residency is poised to have a profound impact on the international and regional art scenes. By inviting applications from across the world and encouraging participation from the MENA region, DAF fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas that transcends borders. The residency’s location in Diriyah, a site of immense historical significance, provides a unique backdrop for exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity. This setting allows artists and scholars to draw inspiration from the past while addressing contemporary global challenges.

Regional artists and scholars stand to gain significantly from this initiative. The opportunity to work alongside international peers, access cutting-edge facilities, and have their work showcased through DAF’s network of partners will elevate their visibility and contribute to the growth of the regional art ecosystem. Moreover, the residency’s focus on new media and digital art positions Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking cultural leader, capable of attracting top talent from around the globe. How does this residency contribute to a more interconnected world? By creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration, it strengthens cultural ties and promotes mutual understanding.

Economic and Strategic Significance: Investing in Cultural Infrastructure

The launch of the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency is a strategic investment in Saudi Arabia’s cultural infrastructure. As part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom is diversifying its economy and enhancing its global standing through cultural diplomacy. DAF, as a hub for new media and digital art, will not only attract artists and scholars but also stimulate cultural tourism and foster a knowledge-based economy. The residency’s production budget and world-class facilities represent a tangible commitment to nurturing creative talent and fostering innovation.

Furthermore, the residency aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform Riyadh into a global hub for new media and digital art. By supporting the creation of new work and scholarly research, DAF contributes to the growth of the creative industries, which are increasingly important for economic diversification. The residency also creates opportunities for partnerships with international institutions, further integrating Saudi Arabia into the global cultural landscape. What does this mean for the future of Saudi Arabia’s creative economy? It signals a bright future where culture and technology drive sustainable growth and global engagement.

Vision 2030 Alignment: A Cultural Pillar of the Kingdom’s Transformation

The Mazra’ah Media Art Residency exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by promoting cultural exchange, fostering innovation, and preserving heritage. Vision 2030 aims to create a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. DAF’s initiatives directly support these objectives by providing platforms for creative expression, encouraging international collaboration, and showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. The residency’s location in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Saudi Arabia’s history while embracing the future.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its cultural sector, programs like the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency will play a crucial role in shaping the Kingdom’s global identity. By nurturing talent and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, DAF is helping to build a more diverse and dynamic cultural landscape. This, in turn, contributes to the realization of Vision 2030’s ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in culture, education, and innovation. In what ways will this residency inspire future generations? By setting a precedent for excellence and creativity, it will encourage others to explore the boundless possibilities at the intersection of art and technology.

In conclusion, the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency is more than just an artist residency; it is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural advancement and global engagement. As DAF opens its doors to the world, it invites artists and scholars to be part of a transformative journey that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and shapes the future. With the application deadline of January 20, 2025, the world is watching as Saudi Arabia cements its place as a global hub for new media and digital art.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency?

A1. The Mazra’ah Media Art Residency is a three-month program by Diriyah Art Futures for established artists and scholars in new media and digital art, running from February to April 2025 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Where is Diriyah Art Futures located?

A2. Diriyah Art Futures is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, overlooking preserved farms and archaeological sites, in a 6,550-square-meter hub designed by Schiattarella Associati.

Q3. What does “Mazra’ah” mean?

A3. “Mazra’ah” is Arabic for “farm,” reflecting DAF’s location overlooking the historic farms of Diriyah, which have provided sustenance since the time of the first Saudi state.

Q4. Who can apply for the residency?

A4. Established artists practicing in new media and digital art, as well as established writers, scholars, and theorists in new media and digital art or technology and culture, can apply for the two tracks.

Q5. What are the two tracks offered?

A5. The residency offers an artist track for practitioners and a scholars’ track for writers, scholars, and theorists, allowing participants to develop new creative practices or contribute to scholarly discussions.

Q6. What is the theme for the 2025 residency?

A6. The 2025 theme is “High-Resolution Dreams of Sand,” encouraging work that engages with DAF’s location adjacent to Diriyah’s farms and explores the bridge between history and the future.

Q7. What facilities will residents have access to?

A7. Residents will have access to world-class studios, production labs, a production budget, and comfortable living spaces, along with opportunities to connect with a diverse network of peers and professionals.

Q8. How will the work be showcased?

A8. Work developed during the residency will be showcased through exhibitions or incorporated into scholarly publications facilitated by DAF and its network, with additional opportunities for broader recognition.

Q9. What is the application deadline?

A9. Interested candidates can apply until January 20, 2025, by visiting the DAF website and submitting their proposals according to the criteria provided.

Q10. Who is the Acting CEO of the Museums Commission?

A10. Ibrahim Alsanousi is the Acting CEO of the Museums Commission, and he stated that the residency represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing its cultural ecosystem.

Q11. Who is the Director at DAF?

A11. Dr. Haytham Nawar is the Director at DAF, and he described the residency as an unparalleled opportunity for artists and scholars to contribute to global discussions.

Q12. Why is Diriyah significant?

A12. Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the first Saudi state, known for its historic farms and archaeological sites, making it a symbol of Saudi heritage and culture.

Q13. How does this residency align with Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting cultural exchange, fostering innovation, preserving heritage, and contributing to economic diversification through the creative industries.

Q14. What is the duration of the residency?

A14. The residency runs for three months, from February to April 2025, providing participants with ample time to develop their projects and engage with peers.

Q15. Is the residency open to international applicants?

A15. Yes, DAF welcomes applications from across the world and encourages participation from the MENA region and the Global Majority.

Q16. What kind of work is expected from residents?

A16. Residents are expected to produce work that engages with contemporary issues, regional interests, and global narratives, particularly those emerging from the MENA region.

Q17. Will there be opportunities for publication?

A17. Yes, selected work may be included in scholarly publications, artist monographs, and additional exhibitions facilitated by DAF and its partners.

Q18. How does DAF support residents during the program?

A18. DAF provides access to advanced facilities, a production budget, comfortable living spaces, and a network of professionals, ensuring a supportive and inspiring environment.

Q19. What is the significance of the residency’s location?

A19. The location in Diriyah offers a unique blend of historical context and modern facilities, allowing residents to explore the relationship between nature, technology, and heritage.

Q20. How can I apply or learn more?

A20. Visit the DAF website for detailed criteria and application instructions. Applications are open until January 20, 2025, and social media updates are available on X and Instagram @DAFmoc.

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