The Visual Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia has announced the curatorial team for the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh, a landmark cultural event scheduled to take place from April 6 to 13, 2025, under the theme “At the Edge.” The announcement, released via the Saudi Press Agency, names Vittoria Matarrese as Artistic Director and Curator, Basma Harasani and Victoria Gandit Lelandais as Associate Curators, and Shumon Basar as Curator of the Public Program. The week-long event will be headquartered at the JAX District in Riyadh, with activations across the city, bringing together leading local, regional, and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Could this inaugural edition mark a defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s place in the global art world?
The announcement represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s cultural journey, reflecting the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and elevate Saudi Arabia’s status as a global cultural hub. Art Week Riyadh is positioned to become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, showcasing the very best of Saudi and international art while fostering dialogue and exchange. The event will feature a curated selection of works from over 30 local, regional, and international galleries and collections, alongside a dynamic public program of talks, performances, and more. With such a distinguished team at the helm, expectations are high for a week that will not only celebrate art but also illuminate Riyadh’s evolving identity as a center of creativity and innovation.
Context and Background
How did Saudi Arabia arrive at this pivotal moment in its cultural development? The Visual Arts Commission, established as part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to nurture the arts sector, has been instrumental in creating an ecosystem where creativity can flourish. The launch of Art Week Riyadh is the culmination of years of strategic investment in cultural infrastructure, including the establishment of institutions, funding for artists, and the hosting of international exhibitions. The Kingdom has long been a crossroads of civilizations, and its contemporary art scene is now gaining unprecedented global attention. The appointment of such a distinguished curatorial team underscores the seriousness with which Saudi Arabia is approaching its cultural ambitions.
The curators bring a wealth of international and regional experience. Vittoria Matarrese, former director of the Bally Foundation in Switzerland and of the performing arts department at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, is renowned for her innovative approach to interdisciplinary programming. Basma Harasani, a Saudi curator and art advisor, has been a key figure in the Kingdom’s art scene, championing local talent and fostering connections between Saudi and global art communities. Victoria Gandit Lelandais, a specialist in contemporary art from the Arab world, has curated numerous exhibitions that bridge cultural divides. Shumon Basar, a writer, curator, and cultural convenor in the Gulf, brings a critical perspective on the region’s rapid transformation. Together, they embody the blend of local knowledge and international expertise that Art Week Riyadh aims to showcase.
The theme “At the Edge” is particularly resonant. It speaks to Riyadh’s position as a city on the cusp of profound change, where tradition and modernity coexist and evolve. As Matarrese noted, the inaugural edition is a platform to explore these shifts and reveal how tradition and acceleration coexist and evolve. This theme will be explored through the curated works, public talks, and performances, offering visitors a nuanced understanding of the forces shaping contemporary Saudi Arabia. The choice of the JAX District as headquarters is also significant: this former industrial area has been transformed into a vibrant creative hub, symbolizing the broader transformation of Riyadh itself.
Key Details
What can attendees expect from this inaugural edition? Art Week Riyadh will feature a curated selection of works from over 30 local, regional, and international galleries and collections. The event will include a public program of talks, performances, and other activities designed to engage a wide audience. The JAX District, a repurposed industrial zone that now hosts galleries, studios, and creative spaces, will serve as the central hub, with additional activations across Riyadh. This city-wide approach aims to integrate art into the urban fabric, making it accessible to both residents and visitors. The week-long event is expected to attract collectors, curators, critics, and art lovers from around the world, further cementing Riyadh’s reputation as a cultural destination.
The curators have expressed their enthusiasm for the project. Basma Harasani remarked, “Being the first of its kind, Art Week Riyadh is a testament to the remarkable progress the country has made in establishing itself within the global cultural narrative, while still preserving its authenticity and showcasing the very best the Kingdom has to offer.” Victoria Gandit Lelandais added, “The very fact that Art Week Riyadh exists demonstrates the intentional development of a thriving art ecosystem, with a clear vision to foster a healthy environment for growth among all the key players—galleries, artists, institutions, scholars, collectors, and more. This initiative is invaluable, offering a city-wide platform for critical discussions, dialogue, and reflection under one roof.” These statements highlight the collaborative spirit and forward-looking vision that underpin the event.
Shumon Basar emphasized the broader significance: “Art Week Riyadh offers a moment to frame everything that has happened arts-wise in Riyadh, in the Kingdom, and in the region over the last years and decades, and to dialogue that with global scaled conversations in an increasingly multipolar world.” This reflects the event’s ambition to not only showcase art but also to position Riyadh as a convenor of global cultural conversations. The public program curated by Basar will likely include talks, panels, and performances that delve into the intersections of art, society, and technology, further enriching the visitor experience.
International and Regional Impact
How will Art Week Riyadh influence the global art landscape? The event is poised to become a major fixture on the international art calendar, attracting galleries and collectors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. By hosting such a high-profile event, Saudi Arabia signals its commitment to cultural diplomacy and its openness to global exchange. The presence of international galleries and artists will foster cross-cultural dialogue, while Saudi artists will gain unprecedented exposure to international audiences. This exchange is mutually beneficial, enriching both the Kingdom’s cultural scene and the global art world. Moreover, Art Week Riyadh aligns with a broader trend of Middle Eastern cities emerging as cultural powerhouses, challenging the traditional dominance of Western art capitals.
Regionally, the event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the cultural sphere. It complements other initiatives such as the Diriyah Biennale and the Noor Riyadh light festival, creating a cohesive cultural ecosystem that spans the year. These events collectively enhance the Kingdom’s soft power and attract tourism, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030. The timing of Art Week Riyadh, coming shortly after the successful second edition of the Diriyah Biennale, demonstrates sustained momentum. It also provides a platform for regional artists to engage with their counterparts from around the world, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect. As the first edition, it sets a precedent for future iterations, which are expected to grow in scale and influence.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What economic benefits can Saudi Arabia expect from Art Week Riyadh? Cultural tourism is a key pillar of Vision 2030, and events like this are designed to attract high-value visitors who contribute to the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses in Riyadh will see increased activity during the week, while the event also creates opportunities for Saudi creatives and entrepreneurs. The art market in the Kingdom is nascent but growing, and Art Week Riyadh will stimulate demand for contemporary art, benefiting galleries and artists. Furthermore, the event supports the development of a knowledge-based economy by fostering creativity and innovation, which are essential for sustainable growth.
Strategically, Art Week Riyadh enhances Saudi Arabia’s image as a modern, open, and dynamic nation. It showcases the Kingdom’s cultural achievements and its ability to host world-class events, further attracting international investment and partnerships. The event also serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy, building bridges with other nations and promoting mutual understanding. By investing in the arts, Saudi Arabia is not only diversifying its economy but also enriching the lives of its citizens and residents, creating a more vibrant and inclusive society. The strategic significance of Art Week Riyadh extends beyond the art world, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader goals of economic diversification and global engagement.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does Art Week Riyadh contribute to Saudi Vision 2030? The Vision, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a diversified economy and a global investment powerhouse. Culture is a vital component of this transformation, as it fosters national pride, attracts visitors, and creates jobs. Art Week Riyadh directly supports several Vision 2030 objectives, including enhancing the quality of life for citizens, promoting cultural exchange, and developing the tourism sector. By establishing a world-class art event, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to becoming a cultural hub, which in turn attracts global attention and investment.
Looking ahead, Art Week Riyadh is expected to become an annual highlight, growing in stature and influence. The inaugural edition sets the stage for future success, thanks to the expertise of the curatorial team and the support of the Visual Arts Commission. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its cultural infrastructure, events like this will play a crucial role in shaping the Kingdom’s identity and its place in the world. The theme “At the Edge” captures the spirit of a nation on the brink of a cultural renaissance, ready to engage with the world on its own terms. With its inaugural edition, Art Week Riyadh promises to be a celebration of art, a catalyst for dialogue, and a testament to the power of vision and collaboration.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Art Week Riyadh?
A1. Art Week Riyadh is a week-long cultural event taking place from April 6 to 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring over 30 galleries, a public program, and city-wide activations under the theme “At the Edge.”
Q2. Who is organizing Art Week Riyadh?
A2. The event is organized by the Visual Arts Commission, a body under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture dedicated to developing the visual arts sector in the Kingdom.
Q3. Who are the curators of Art Week Riyadh?
A3. The curatorial team includes Vittoria Matarrese as Artistic Director and Curator, Basma Harasani and Victoria Gandit Lelandais as Associate Curators, and Shumon Basar as Curator of the Public Program.
Q4. What is the theme of the inaugural edition?
A4. The theme is “At the Edge,” which explores Riyadh’s dynamic cultural transformation and how tradition and modernity coexist and evolve in the city.
Q5. Where will Art Week Riyadh take place?
A5. The event will be headquartered at the JAX District in Riyadh, with additional activations across the city to engage a wider audience.
Q6. What can visitors expect at Art Week Riyadh?
A6. Visitors can expect a curated selection of works from over 30 local, regional, and international galleries, as well as a public program of talks, performances, and other cultural activities.
Q7. Why is Art Week Riyadh significant for Saudi Arabia?
A7. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s cultural progress, supports Vision 2030 goals, and positions the Kingdom as a center of global cultural engagement, attracting international attention and tourism.
Q8. How does Art Week Riyadh align with Vision 2030?
A8. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural exchange, enhancing quality of life, diversifying the economy, and developing the tourism sector, all of which are key objectives of the Vision.
Q9. What is the JAX District?
A9. The JAX District is a former industrial area in Riyadh that has been transformed into a vibrant creative hub, hosting galleries, studios, and cultural spaces, symbolizing the city’s broader transformation.
Q10. Who is Vittoria Matarrese?
A10. Vittoria Matarrese is the Artistic Director and Curator of Art Week Riyadh. She is the former director of the Bally Foundation in Switzerland and of the performing arts department at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
Q11. Who is Basma Harasani?
A11. Basma Harasani is a Saudi curator and art advisor serving as an Associate Curator. She has been instrumental in championing local talent and fostering connections between Saudi and global art communities.
Q12. Who is Victoria Gandit Lelandais?
A12. Victoria Gandit Lelandais is an Associate Curator and a specialist in contemporary art from the Arab world, known for curating exhibitions that bridge cultural divides.
Q13. Who is Shumon Basar?
A13. Shumon Basar is the Curator of the Public Program. He is a writer, curator, and cultural convenor in the Gulf, bringing a critical perspective on the region’s rapid transformation.
Q14. How many galleries will participate in Art Week Riyadh?
A14. Over 30 local, regional, and international galleries and collections will participate, showcasing a diverse range of artworks and perspectives.
Q15. What is the public program at Art Week Riyadh?
A15. The public program includes talks, performances, and other activities designed to engage the public and foster critical discussions about art and culture, curated by Shumon Basar.
Q16. How does Art Week Riyadh contribute to Saudi Arabia’s cultural diplomacy?
A16. By hosting international galleries and artists, the event fosters cross-cultural dialogue and builds bridges with other nations, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s soft power and global cultural engagement.
Q17. What economic benefits does Art Week Riyadh bring?
A17. It boosts cultural tourism, stimulates the local art market, creates opportunities for creatives, and supports the development of a knowledge-based economy, aligning with Vision 2030.
Q18. Will Art Week Riyadh be an annual event?
A18. While the inaugural edition is scheduled for 2025, the Visual Arts Commission aims to establish it as a recurring highlight, growing in scale and influence in future years.
Q19. How can international visitors participate in Art Week Riyadh?
A19. International visitors can attend the event by traveling to Riyadh, where they can explore the JAX District and other venues, and engage with the diverse program of exhibitions and talks.
Q20. What is the long-term vision for Art Week Riyadh?
A20. The long-term vision is to establish Art Week Riyadh as a premier global art event that showcases Saudi Arabia’s cultural renaissance, fosters international exchange, and contributes to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
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