Diriyah Future Arts Center Unveils ‘Continuity 26’ Exhibition

Riyadh, August 18, 2026 – The Diriyah Future Arts Center, an affiliate of the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, has unveiled the artist list for the upcoming exhibition “Continuity 26,” showcasing the creative outputs of participants in its second Emerging Artists in New Media Arts program. The exhibition, which runs from September 3 to November 7, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural landscape and its commitment to nurturing creative talent in alignment with Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The Diriyah Future Arts Center is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated to new media arts, focusing on developing interdisciplinary creative practices at the intersection of art, science, and technology. The center’s efforts reflect a broader national strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for culture and creativity, as outlined in the goals of the Museums Commission and Vision 2030. This exhibition is a testament to the center’s dedication to bridging art, research, and education, aiming to empower the next generation of artists and expand the Kingdom’s creative ecosystem.

Key Details

“Continuity 26” will feature 16 emerging artists from around the world, who have developed their works over a full year within the framework of the center’s educational program. The program was supported by the center’s education, production, and exhibition departments, under the guidance of program mentors Luis Felipe Demirci and Rick Treweek, both of whom will also present two works at the exhibition. The artists have explored new forms of creative expression through immersive and multimedia installations, light, sound, moving images, virtual reality, mixed reality, and AI-generated projects. The exhibition is structured around four main themes: “Memory as a Living Process,” “Systems of Power and Optimization,” “Body, Perception, and Presence,” and “Repetition, Rhythm, and Collective Experience.”

Implications and Impact

This exhibition underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global arts scene, particularly in the realm of new media and digital arts. By bringing together international talents and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, “Continuity 26” enhances the Kingdom’s reputation as a cultural bridge between East and West. It also provides a platform for emerging artists to gain international recognition, contributing to the diversification of the Saudi economy beyond oil, as per Vision 2030’s economic transformation goals. The focus on themes like memory, power, and human-AI interaction aligns with global conversations about technology and society, positioning Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking participant in these discussions.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The exhibition is a prime example of how Saudi Arabia is leveraging culture and the arts to achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. By investing in the creative industries, the Kingdom is not only preserving its rich heritage but also fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, which are vital for a sustainable and diversified economy. The Diriyah Future Arts Center’s commitment to education, mentorship, and production reflects a long-term investment in human capital, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the global creative economy for decades to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Diriyah Future Arts Center?

A1. The Diriyah Future Arts Center is the first institution in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated to new media arts, operating under the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and focusing on interdisciplinary creative practices.

Q2. When will the “Continuity 26” exhibition take place?

A2. The exhibition is scheduled to run from September 3 to November 7, 2026, at the Diriyah Future Arts Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q3. Who are the mentors for the Emerging Artists program?

A3. The program is guided by two mentors, Luis Felipe Demirci and Rick Treweek, both accomplished artists who will also present their own works at the exhibition.

Q4. How many artists are participating in “Continuity 26”?

A4. Sixteen emerging artists from various parts of the world are participating, having developed their works over a year-long educational and production program.

Q5. What are the main themes of the exhibition?

A5. The exhibition is organized around four themes: “Memory as a Living Process,” “Systems of Power and Optimization,” “Body, Perception, and Presence,” and “Repetition, Rhythm, and Collective Experience.”

Q6. What types of art forms are showcased?

A6. The exhibition includes immersive and multimedia installations, light and sound art, moving images, virtual reality, mixed reality, and projects created with artificial intelligence.

Q7. Why is the exhibition titled “Continuity”?

A7. The title reflects the ongoing nature of creative research and the evolving artistic practices explored in the program, as well as the fluid boundaries between reality and the artificial, the organic and the constructed.

Q8. How does the exhibition support Vision 2030?

A8. It supports Vision 2030 by nurturing creative talent, diversifying the economy through culture, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global cultural hub, all key pillars of the national transformation plan.

Q9. What is the role of the Museums Commission?

A9. The Museums Commission, part of the Ministry of Culture, oversees the Diriyah Future Arts Center and other cultural institutions, aligning their strategies with Vision 2030’s cultural goals.

Q10. How are the artworks developed?

A10. Artists developed their works over a full year within an integrated program that includes education, mentorship, production, and exhibition support, allowing for deep exploration of innovative techniques.

Q11. What is the significance of the Diriyah location?

A11. Diriyah is a historic area in Riyadh and a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizing Saudi heritage while hosting modern cultural venues, blending tradition with innovation.

Q12. Are the artworks interactive?

A12. Many works are immersive and interactive, utilizing virtual reality, mixed reality, and sensory environments to engage audiences in new ways.

Q13. What is the goal of the Emerging Artists program?

A13. The program aims to empower emerging artists, support new forms of creative expression, and foster the growth of Saudi Arabia’s creative ecosystem.

Q14. How does the exhibition promote cultural exchange?

A14. By featuring artists from around the world, the exhibition facilitates cross-cultural dialogue and positions Saudi Arabia as a meeting point for global artistic ideas.

Q15. What does “new media arts” encompass?

A15. New media arts encompass digital and technological forms including virtual reality, AI, interactive installations, and multimedia, pushing the boundaries of traditional art.

Q16. Will the public be allowed to visit?

A16. Yes, the exhibition is open to the public from September 3 to November 7, 2026, providing an opportunity for visitors to experience cutting-edge artistic practices.

Q17. What is the impact on Saudi artists?

A17. Saudi artists benefit from international mentorship and exposure, enhancing their skills and contributing to the local arts scene’s growth and global recognition.

Q18. How does art contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economy?

A18. Culture and the arts are emerging sectors that attract tourism, investment, and creative industries, diversifying the economy beyond oil and creating new jobs.

Q19. What future developments are expected from the center?

A19. Following the success of such exhibitions, the center plans to continue its annual program, expanding educational initiatives and international partnerships to further solidify Saudi Arabia’s cultural standing.

Q20. How can interested artists participate in future editions?

A20. Artists can stay informed by following the Diriyah Future Arts Center’s official announcements and application calls, typically open to emerging artists worldwide with innovative proposals in new media.

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