Diriyah Art Futures Opens Second Edition of ‘CONTINUUM’ Exhibition

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the first center for New Media Arts in the Middle East and North Africa, launched its latest exhibition CONTINUUM ’26 on September 3, 2026, showcasing the works of its second cohort of emerging artists and program mentors. The exhibition, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, features cutting-edge technological media including immersive installations, light and sound works, moving image, virtual reality, mixed reality, and AI-generated projects.

Context and Background

Diriyah Art Futures, located in the historic Diriyah district of Riyadh, was established as a hub for digital and new media art in the region. The CONTINUUM exhibition series highlights the culmination of DAF’s year-long Emerging New Media Artists Programme, developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio national des arts contemporains in France. This second edition, CONTINUUM ’26, builds on the inaugural exhibition to further position Saudi Arabia as a leader in contemporary art and cultural innovation.

Key Details

CONTINUUM ’26 features artworks by 16 emerging artists and two mentors who participated in the programme. Curated by Irini Papadimitriou and Bushra Alghamdi, Assistant Curator, the exhibition explores themes of memory, identity, place, belonging, repetition, and interspecies relationships. Under the mentorship of artists Louis-Philippe Demers and Rick Treweek, the works investigate the boundaries between the real and artificial, human and artificial intelligence, and the organic and synthetic. At the launch, Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Hammad, CEO of the Museums Commission, stated: “Programs like the Emerging New Media Artists Programme represent the long-term, deliberate investment needed to shape the future of the Kingdom’s museum sector. By providing our artists with world-class facilities, mentorship, and the dedicated time to refine their craft, we are fueling innovation and sparking vital cultural conversations. CONTINUUM 26 brings a full year of that dedication into the public eye.” The opening program included a panel discussion with artists Noel Apitta, Njood Albwardi, Badriya Alsalem, and Harpreet Sareen, moderated by Bushra Alghamdi, where they discussed the power of artificial intelligence, memory and time, and embodied perception.

Implications and Impact

CONTINUUM ’26 underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural sector and nurturing local talent. By providing emerging artists with access to cutting-edge equipment, production budgets, and international mentorship, DAF is cultivating a new generation of creative leaders. The exhibition also strengthens cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France through the partnership with Le Fresnoy. Open to the public until November 7, the exhibition is accompanied by a public program of workshops and talks on AI, VR, digital photography, and more, offering visitors immersive educational experiences.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, promoting cultural enrichment, and enhancing quality of life. By investing in New Media Arts, the Kingdom is building a sustainable creative ecosystem that aligns with its broader ambitions to become a global cultural destination. Diriyah Art Futures exemplifies how Saudi Arabia is harnessing innovation and education to drive long-term social and economic progress.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Diriyah Art Futures?

A1. Diriyah Art Futures is the first center for New Media Arts in the Middle East and North Africa, located in Diriyah, Riyadh. It supports emerging artists through programs and exhibitions.

Q2. What is CONTINUUM ’26?

A2. CONTINUUM ’26 is the second edition of an exhibition at Diriyah Art Futures showcasing works by emerging artists from the Emerging New Media Artists Programme. It runs until November 7, 2026.

Q3. When did CONTINUUM ’26 open?

A3. The exhibition opened on September 3, 2026, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency. It will remain open to the public until November 7, 2026.

Q4. How many artists are featured in CONTINUUM ’26?

A4. The exhibition features artworks by 16 emerging artists and two mentors who participated in the year-long programme.

Q5. Who curated the exhibition?

A5. CONTINUUM ’26 is curated by Irini Papadimitriou and Bushra Alghamdi, Assistant Curator at Diriyah Art Futures.

Q6. What themes does the exhibition explore?

A6. The exhibition explores memory, identity, place, belonging, repetition, and interspecies relationships, as well as the boundaries between real and artificial.

Q7. Who are the mentors for the programme?

A7. The mentors are artists Louis-Philippe Demers and Rick Treweek, who guided the emerging artists in developing their works.

Q8. What did the CEO of the Museums Commission say about the programme?

A8. Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Hammad said the programme represents long-term investment in the museum sector, fueling innovation and cultural conversations.

Q9. What media are featured in the exhibition?

A9. The exhibition includes immersive installations, light, sound, moving image, virtual reality, mixed reality, and AI-generated projects.

Q10. What was the opening program?

A10. The opening featured a panel conversation with artists Noel Apitta, Njood Albwardi, Badriya Alsalem, and Harpreet Sareen, moderated by Bushra Alghamdi.

Q11. How does the programme support emerging artists?

A11. The programme provides access to cutting-edge equipment, a production budget, and multidisciplinary learning opportunities through a year-long residency.

Q12. Who is the programme developed in collaboration with?

A12. It is developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio national des arts contemporains in France.

Q13. What is the significance of the collaboration with Le Fresnoy?

A13. It strengthens cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France, bringing international expertise to Saudi artists and enhancing global cultural exchange.

Q14. What public programs accompany the exhibition?

A14. The exhibition includes workshops, talks, and activities on AI, VR, digital photography, and more, running throughout its duration.

Q15. Where is Diriyah Art Futures located?

A15. Diriyah Art Futures is located in Diriyah, a historic district in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, known for its cultural and heritage significance.

Q16. How does CONTINUUM ’26 align with Vision 2030?

A16. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting cultural enrichment, diversifying the economy, and enhancing quality of life through investment in arts and innovation.

Q17. What is the Museums Commission?

A17. The Museums Commission is a Saudi government body responsible for developing and promoting the Kingdom’s museum sector, led by CEO Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Hammad.

Q18. How long does the Emerging New Media Artists Programme last?

A18. The programme is a year-long residency that culminates in the CONTINUUM exhibition.

Q19. Is CONTINUUM ’26 open to the public?

A19. Yes, it is open to the public at Diriyah Art Futures until November 7, 2026, with free access to the exhibition and accompanying programs.

Q20. What is the future of Diriyah Art Futures?

A20. Diriyah Art Futures will continue to support new media artists, hosting future editions of CONTINUUM and expanding its role as a regional hub for digital art.

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