Diriyah Center for Future Arts Launches Second Edition of CONTINUUM 26 Exhibition

The Diriyah Center for Future Arts (DAF) announced the launch of the second edition of the exhibition “CONTINUUM 26,” scheduled to run from September 3 to November 7, 2026, in Riyadh, with the participation of 16 emerging artists from around the world. The announcement was made via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on August 19, 2026. DAF, the first center specializing in new media arts in the Middle East and North Africa, will showcase works developed by the artists over the past year as part of its Emerging Artists in New Media Arts program. The exhibition will feature immersive and multimedia installations, including works using light, sound, moving image, virtual and mixed reality, and AI-generated projects.

Context and Background

DAF is a pioneering institution in the region, dedicated to fostering innovation at the intersection of art and technology. Its Emerging Artists program provides a platform for creative talents to explore new media arts—a field that combines traditional artistic expression with cutting-edge digital tools. The second edition of CONTINUUM builds on the success of the inaugural exhibition, which established DAF as a hub for contemporary digital art in the Kingdom.

Held in the historic Diriyah area—a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage—the exhibition highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to blending its rich past with a forward-looking vision. The timing of the announcement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural renaissance, which aims to diversify the economy and promote creativity as part of Vision 2030.

Key Details of CONTINUUM 26

The exhibition will present works organized around four thematic axes: memory, the relationship between technology and human decisions and desires, the body and perception, and automated systems and collective experience. These themes reflect contemporary concerns in digital art, exploring how technology shapes human identity and society. Visitors can expect a dynamic range of installations that engage the senses and challenge perceptions.

The 16 artists, selected through a competitive process, represent a diverse array of cultural backgrounds and artistic practices. Their works demonstrate the potential of new media arts to communicate complex ideas in immersive ways. The exhibition is part of DAF’s ongoing efforts to support emerging artists and develop their practices in digital and new media arts.

Implications and Impact

CONTINUUM 26 is not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global cultural landscape. By hosting such events, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a destination for cultural tourism and creative industries. The exhibition is expected to attract international attention, drawing visitors and media coverage from around the world.

For the artists involved, the program offers a unique opportunity to gain international exposure and collaborate with peers. The exhibition also contributes to the local creative economy, nurturing a new generation of digital artists in the Kingdom. Moreover, by featuring AI and virtual reality, DAF is aligning with global trends in the art world, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and cultural exchange.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The second edition of CONTINUUM 26 underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to cultural development as a pillar of Vision 2030. By investing in the arts and supporting emerging talents, Saudi Arabia is fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem that enhances quality of life and promotes creative industries. DAF’s efforts align with the Vision’s goals of diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global cultural and artistic hub. As the exhibition opens, it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s message of openness and innovation, inviting the world to witness the Kingdom’s transformative journey.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Diriyah Center for Future Arts (DAF)?

A1. DAF is the first specialized center for new media arts in the Middle East and North Africa, located in Diriyah, Riyadh. It focuses on fostering innovation in arts that use digital and emerging technologies.

Q2. What is the CONTINUUM 26 exhibition?

A2. CONTINUUM 26 is the second edition of an exhibition organized by DAF, featuring works by emerging artists in the field of new media arts. It will run from September 3 to November 7, 2026.

Q3. Where will CONTINUUM 26 be held?

A3. The exhibition will be held in Riyadh, specifically in the Diriyah area, which is a historic and cultural landmark in Saudi Arabia.

Q4. How many artists are participating in CONTINUUM 26?

A4. Sixteen emerging artists from around the world will participate in the exhibition, having developed their works over the past year through DAF’s Emerging Artists program.

Q5. What types of artworks will be showcased at CONTINUUM 26?

A5. The exhibition will feature immersive installations, multimedia displays, and works using light, sound, moving image, virtual reality, mixed reality, and AI-generated projects.

Q6. What are the thematic axes of CONTINUUM 26?

A6. The works are organized around four axes: memory, the relationship between technology and human decisions and desires, the body and perception, and automated systems and collective experience.

Q7. What is the Emerging Artists in New Media Arts program?

A7. This is a program by DAF that supports artists in developing their practices in digital and new media arts, providing them with resources and mentorship to create innovative works.

Q8. How does CONTINUUM 26 contribute to supporting emerging artists?

A8. The exhibition provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work, gain international exposure, and network with professionals in the field, thereby advancing their careers.

Q9. Why is Diriyah significant for this exhibition?

A9. Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Saudi state, symbolizing the Kingdom’s heritage. Hosting the exhibition there underscores the blend of tradition and modernity.

Q10. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) in this announcement?

A10. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) is the official news outlet of the Saudi government. It released the initial announcement about CONTINUUM 26, ensuring accurate dissemination of information to the public.

Q11. How does CONTINUUM 26 align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A11. The exhibition supports Vision 2030’s cultural and entertainment goals by promoting creativity, diversifying the economy, and positioning the Kingdom as a global cultural destination.

Q12. What is the significance of new media arts in the Middle East and North Africa?

A12. New media arts represent a growing field that combines technology and artistic expression. DAF is pioneering this field in the region, offering a platform for artists to explore digital innovation.

Q13. How does the exhibition incorporate artificial intelligence?

A13. Some artworks at CONTINUUM 26 are generated by AI, reflecting the integration of advanced technology into artistic creation and the exploration of AI’s role in creative processes.

Q14. What does the theme ‘memory’ explore?

A14. The ‘memory’ theme investigates how memory is represented, manipulated, and preserved through digital media, often engaging personal and collective histories.

Q15. How does the exhibition address the relationship between technology and human decisions?

A15. This theme examines how technological tools influence decision-making, desires, and behaviors, raising questions about human agency in a technologically mediated world.

Q16. What is the ‘body and perception’ theme about?

A16. This theme explores how technology alters our perception of the body and the world, including sensory experiences and the boundaries between physical and virtual realities.

Q17. How does ‘automated systems and collective experience’ reflect contemporary concerns?

A17. It addresses how automated systems impact collective behaviors and social interactions, considering the effects of algorithms, data, and AI on communities.

Q18. What can visitors expect from the immersive installations?

A18. Visitors can expect multi-sensory experiences that often involve interacting with the artwork, using virtual reality, sound, and visual effects to engage them in unique narratives.

Q19. How can artists apply for future DAF programs?

A19. Artists can apply through DAF’s official platforms when applications open. The selection process is competitive and typically announced via SPA and DAF’s channels.

Q20. What is the future outlook for new media arts in Saudi Arabia?

A20. With initiatives like DAF’s CONTINUUM, new media arts are set to flourish in the Kingdom, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene and attracting global talent as part of Vision 2030.

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