Diriyah Art Futures Announces ‘Maknana’ Exhibition

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the pioneering new media art institution in Diriyah, Riyadh, has announced that its second major exhibition, titled Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World, will run from April 21 to July 19, 2025. The announcement, released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), marks another significant step in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s expanding cultural landscape and underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity as part of Vision 2030. The exhibition will bring together works by more than 40 artists from across the MENA region, offering a rare and comprehensive survey of how Arab artists have engaged with, repurposed, and redefined technology as a medium for creative expression over several decades.

How often does the world get to witness a region’s artistic engagement with technology presented not as a footnote to Western narratives, but as a central, self-determined story? Maknana answers that question with a resounding affirmation. Spanning early video art, experimental film, generative systems, and expanded media, the exhibition traces a rich history of technological experimentation that has long been overlooked in global conversations about new media art. By situating these works within the context of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cornerstone of Saudi cultural strategy, DAF positions the Arab world not as a late adopter of digital art, but as a vital and pioneering contributor to its evolution.

Context and Background: A New Chapter for Arab New Media Art

What does it mean for a region to excavate its own technological and artistic past? The Arabic term Maknana, which translates to automation, serves as the conceptual anchor for the exhibition. It inspires a central inquiry into how Arab artists have navigated, repurposed, and challenged technologies to shape their own creative vocabularies. Rather than viewing technology as a neutral or purely Western tool, the artists featured in Maknana have treated it as a site of negotiation, resistance, and invention. This framing is crucial: it shifts the narrative from passive consumption to active, critical production, highlighting a legacy of innovation that stretches back to the earliest days of video and digital art in the region.

Diriyah Art Futures, an initiative under the broader cultural umbrella of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, has quickly established itself as a hub for new media art in the Middle East. Its inaugural exhibition set the stage for a program that prioritizes both historical scholarship and contemporary practice. Maknana builds on this foundation by offering a deep, multi-generational survey. The exhibition is structured across four thematic sections: Automation, Autonomy, Ripples, and Glitch. These sections trace recurring artistic concerns and gestures across different generations, geographies, and technological paradigms, providing a framework that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible to a wide audience. By organizing the works thematically rather than chronologically, DAF encourages viewers to see connections and dialogues that transcend specific moments in time.

The timing of the exhibition is significant. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in its cultural infrastructure—from museums and galleries to film festivals and digital art platforms—Maknana arrives as a testament to the Kingdom’s belief in the power of art to bridge cultures and drive forward-looking conversations. It also reflects a broader regional trend: the Arab world is increasingly asserting its own narratives in the global art market, and institutions like DAF are providing the platforms and scholarship to support that assertion.

Key Details: Four Themes, Forty Artists, and a Public Program

What can visitors expect to encounter within the walls of Diriyah Art Futures this spring? The exhibition will feature works by more than 40 artists from the MENA region, including pioneering voices who have embraced and redefined technology as a medium for creative expression. The four thematic sections offer distinct yet interconnected lenses. Automation examines the machine as collaborator and subject, exploring early experiments with generative systems and algorithmic processes. Autonomy delves into questions of agency, identity, and the body in digital space. Ripples considers the dissemination and afterlives of technological gestures, while Glitch celebrates error, noise, and the aesthetics of malfunction as sites of creative possibility.

In tandem with the exhibition, DAF will present a robust public program of talks, performances, screenings, and workshops. This programming is designed to expand on the themes of Maknana and offer visitors direct engagement with artists and thought leaders in the field of new media art. Such initiatives are vital for cultivating a local and regional community of practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts. They also align with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life, promoting cultural exchange, and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global destination for arts and culture. The public program ensures that Maknana is not just a static display but a living, evolving conversation.

The choice of Diriyah as the venue adds another layer of meaning. Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state, is now a vibrant cultural and lifestyle destination, blending historical authenticity with contemporary innovation. Hosting a forward-looking new media art exhibition in this historic setting creates a powerful juxtaposition: the ancient and the digital, heritage and experimentation. It symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s unique ability to honor its past while boldly embracing the future.

International and Regional Impact: Shaping Global Conversations

How does an exhibition in Riyadh resonate on the global stage? Maknana contributes to a growing international recognition of the Arab world’s contributions to new media art. For too long, the history of digital and video art has been narrated primarily through North American and European perspectives. By presenting a comprehensive survey of Arab artists, DAF challenges this hegemony and offers a more inclusive, polyphonic history. International curators, critics, and collectors are increasingly looking to the Middle East for fresh perspectives, and Maknana provides a substantial, well-researched resource that will undoubtedly influence future scholarship and exhibitions worldwide.

Regionally, the exhibition fosters a sense of shared cultural identity and pride. It brings together artists from across the MENA region, creating a platform for dialogue and exchange that transcends national borders. In a time of global uncertainty, such cultural diplomacy is invaluable. It highlights the common threads of innovation and resilience that bind the region together, while also celebrating the unique voices and approaches that emerge from different local contexts. The participation of over 40 artists is a testament to the depth and breadth of talent in the Arab world, and it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a cultural convener and catalyst.

Economic and Strategic Significance: Culture as a Driver of Growth

What role does culture play in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification? The cultural sector is a key pillar of Vision 2030, contributing to GDP growth, job creation, and the enhancement of the Kingdom’s soft power. Exhibitions like Maknana attract international visitors, stimulate tourism, and support the local creative economy. They also signal to the world that Saudi Arabia is a sophisticated, open, and dynamic society—one that values artistic expression and intellectual inquiry. By investing in institutions like Diriyah Art Futures, the Kingdom is building an ecosystem that nurtures talent, encourages innovation, and positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in the global creative industries.

Strategically, Maknana aligns with the broader goals of the Diriyah Gate project, which aims to transform Diriyah into one of the world’s most significant cultural and heritage destinations. The exhibition adds to the area’s appeal, offering visitors a compelling reason to explore beyond Riyadh’s traditional business districts. It also complements other cultural initiatives, such as the Diriyah Biennale and the Noor Riyadh light art festival, creating a year-round calendar of world-class events. This concentration of cultural activity is designed to attract tourists, foster community engagement, and cement Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse.

Vision 2030 Alignment: A Future Built on Creativity and Heritage

How does Maknana embody the aspirations of Vision 2030? At its core, Vision 2030 seeks to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Culture is a cross-cutting enabler of all three. By showcasing the pioneering spirit of Arab artists, Maknana celebrates the creativity and ingenuity that are essential to a knowledge-based economy. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving and promoting heritage—both ancient and modern—while embracing the technologies that will define the future. The exhibition is a clear demonstration of how Saudi Arabia is weaving culture into the fabric of its national development strategy.

As Diriyah Art Futures continues to grow and attract global attention, Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World stands as a landmark achievement. It invites audiences to reconsider what they know about Arab art and technology, and it offers a compelling vision of a region that has long been shaping its own digital destiny. For anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and culture, this exhibition is not to be missed. It runs from April 21 to July 19, 2025, at DAF in Diriyah, Riyadh. In a world increasingly defined by digital innovation, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that the Arab world’s story is told, seen, and celebrated.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the title of the new exhibition at Diriyah Art Futures?

A1. The exhibition is titled Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World. It is the second major exhibition organized by Diriyah Art Futures and will run from April 21 to July 19, 2025.

Q2. Where is Diriyah Art Futures located?

A2. Diriyah Art Futures is located in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Diriyah is a historic area and a UNESCO World Heritage site, now being developed as a major cultural and lifestyle destination.

Q3. How many artists are featured in the Maknana exhibition?

A3. The exhibition features works by more than 40 artists from the MENA region. These artists are pioneering voices who have embraced and redefined technology as a medium for creative expression.

Q4. What does the term ‘Maknana’ mean?

A4. ‘Maknana’ is an Arabic term that translates to ‘automation’. It inspires the exhibition’s central inquiry into how Arab artists have navigated, repurposed, and challenged technologies to shape their own creative vocabularies.

Q5. What are the four thematic sections of the exhibition?

A5. The exhibition is structured across four thematic sections: Automation, Autonomy, Ripples, and Glitch. These sections trace recurring artistic concerns and gestures across different generations, geographies, and technological paradigms.

Q6. What types of artworks are included in Maknana?

A6. The exhibition spans decades and disciplines, including early video art, experimental film, generative systems, and expanded media. It offers a rare survey of how Arab artists have engaged with and reimagined the digital landscape.

Q7. Will there be public programs alongside the exhibition?

A7. Yes, Diriyah Art Futures will present a public program of talks, performances, screenings, and workshops. These events expand on the themes of Maknana and offer visitors direct engagement with artists and thought leaders.

Q8. What is the duration of the Maknana exhibition?

A8. The exhibition will run from April 21 to July 19, 2025. It is open to the public at Diriyah Art Futures in Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q9. Why is the exhibition titled ‘An Archaeology of New Media Art’?

A9. The title suggests a deep excavation of the history of new media art in the Arab world. It positions the exhibition as a scholarly survey that uncovers and celebrates a rich, often overlooked legacy of technological experimentation by Arab artists.

Q10. How does Maknana relate to Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. Maknana aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural exchange, enhancing quality of life, and supporting the creative economy. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for arts and culture.

Q11. What is Diriyah Art Futures?

A11. Diriyah Art Futures is a new media art institution in Diriyah, Riyadh. It is dedicated to showcasing and supporting innovative art that engages with technology, and it operates under the broader cultural strategy of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Q12. Who can visit the Maknana exhibition?

A12. The exhibition is open to the public, including local residents, international tourists, art enthusiasts, and scholars. It aims to engage a wide audience with the history and future of new media art in the Arab world.

Q13. What is the significance of hosting this exhibition in Diriyah?

A13. Hosting Maknana in Diriyah creates a powerful juxtaposition of heritage and innovation. Diriyah’s historic status as the birthplace of the first Saudi state adds depth to the exhibition’s exploration of modern digital art.

Q14. Are there any admission fees for the exhibition?

A14. Details regarding admission fees and ticketing are typically announced by Diriyah Art Futures closer to the opening date. Visitors are encouraged to check the official DAF website for the most up-to-date information.

Q15. How does Maknana challenge Western narratives of new media art?

A15. By presenting a comprehensive survey of Arab artists, Maknana challenges the dominance of Western narratives in art history. It offers a more inclusive perspective, demonstrating that Arab artists have been vital contributors to new media art for decades.

Q16. What role does technology play in the exhibition?

A16. Technology is both the medium and the subject of the exhibition. The artists in Maknana use technology to express their creative visions, while also critically examining its impact on society, identity, and culture.

Q17. Can visitors expect to see works by artists from outside the MENA region?

A17. The exhibition focuses specifically on artists from the MENA region. Its goal is to highlight the regional contributions to new media art and to provide a platform for these voices on an international stage.

Q18. What is the significance of the ‘Glitch’ section?

A18. The ‘Glitch’ section celebrates error, noise, and malfunction as creative possibilities. It explores how artists use technological imperfections to comment on systems of control, unpredictability, and the aesthetics of the digital age.

Q19. How can international audiences engage with the exhibition?

A19. International audiences can engage by visiting in person, participating in the public programs, or following Diriyah Art Futures online. The institution often shares documentation, interviews, and virtual tours for global access.

Q20. What does the future hold for Diriyah Art Futures?

A20. Diriyah Art Futures is poised to become a leading institution for new media art in the Middle East. With exhibitions like Maknana, it is building a legacy of scholarship, innovation, and cultural exchange that will continue to grow.

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