Ithra Showcases Art Collection for First Time at Art Week Riyadh

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced its participation as an Exhibition Partner at the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh, marking the first time the center has showcased works from its museum collection at the event. The initiative, organized by the Visual Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture, runs from April 6 to 13, 2025, across prominent cultural sites in the Saudi capital, including JAX District and Al Mousa Center. Under the theme “At The Edge,” Art Week Riyadh brings together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and arts enthusiasts to celebrate the Kingdom’s dynamic and rapidly expanding art scene.

Ithra’s contribution, a curated selection of 15 significant works titled “Landscape and Memory,” forms part of the invited collections exhibition “Collections in Dialogue” at JAX District, running from April 6 to May 31, 2025. The display spans artistic creations from the early 1900s to 2022, offering a compelling overview of Ithra’s prized collection. Featuring sculptures, paintings, and installations by both regional and international artists, the exhibition explores the interplay between material memory, transformation, and the landscapes that shape identity. Could this inaugural presentation signal a new chapter in how Saudi Arabia’s cultural institutions share their treasures with the world?

Context and Background

How did Art Week Riyadh come to serve as a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s cultural landscape? The event is an initiative of the Visual Arts Commission, one of the 11 sector-specific commissions established under the Ministry of Culture to advance Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem. Launched in 2025, Art Week Riyadh represents a strategic effort to position the Kingdom as a global hub for contemporary art, aligning with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and foster international cultural exchange. The inaugural edition’s theme, “At The Edge,” reflects a curatorial focus on boundary-pushing artistic practices and the exploration of new creative frontiers.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, is a flagship cultural institution located in Dhahran, established by Saudi Aramco in 2016. It houses a museum, a library, a cinema, a theater, and various exhibition spaces, and has become a beacon for cross-cultural engagement. Ithra’s museum collection is distinguished by its global scope, encompassing works from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By participating as an Exhibition Partner, Ithra underscores its commitment to sharing its holdings beyond its home base, contributing to the national cultural narrative and enhancing the visitor experience at Art Week Riyadh.

The decision to present “Landscape and Memory” at JAX District, a former industrial area transformed into a creative hub, adds a layer of symbolic resonance. JAX District has become a focal point for Riyadh’s art scene, hosting galleries, studios, and events that bridge the past and present. The exhibition’s location within this dynamic environment allows for a dialogue between Ithra’s collection and the contemporary creative energy of the capital. As the first edition of Art Week Riyadh unfolds, it sets a precedent for future gatherings, and Ithra’s involvement highlights the collaborative spirit driving Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions.

Key Details

What exactly can visitors expect to see in “Landscape and Memory”? The exhibition features 15 carefully selected works that span over a century of artistic production, from the early 1900s to 2022. Among the highlights are Fossils of Knowledge (2022) by Saudi Arabian artist and film director Mohammed Alfaraj, and Oil Candies (2019) by Saudi artist Maha Malluh. The collection also includes three works by American artist Gregory Mahoney: Sea Land (1991), Five Gallons/Five Oceans (1995), and End of the World (1993). South Korean artist Do Ho Suh contributes Screens (2005), while Saudi photographer Moath Aloufi presents three photographs from 2019: The Scene, I Am the One, and The Family.

Further enriching the display are Italian master Michelangelo Pistoletto‘s Persone in Comunicazione (2019), Lebanese calligraphy artist Joumana Medlej‘s Who Am I? (2015), and Saudi eclectic artist Sultan bin Fahad‘s Sultan Bin Fahad 1440 AH (2016). Palestinian sculptor Abdul Rahman Katanani‘s Tornado (2020), Palestinian artist Hazem Harb‘s The Place is Mine, Series (2019), and Egyptian painter and sculptor Moataz Nasr‘s Burning (2019) complete the selection. This diverse array of artists and mediums underscores Ithra’s commitment to showcasing a multiplicity of voices and perspectives.

The exhibition’s thematic framework, “Landscape and Memory,” invites viewers to consider how history is preserved, reinterpreted, and reimagined through art. As the press release emphasized, the exhibition portrays memory not only as a mark on the world but as a dynamic force that links us to the past while opening new possibilities for the future. By juxtaposing works from different eras and geographies, the curation encourages a reflective engagement with themes of identity, transformation, and the enduring impact of place. Farah Abushullaih, Head of Museum at Ithra, stated, “Ithra’s participation in Art Week Riyadh is an opportunity to celebrate creative expression and embrace diverse artistic and cultural perspectives. It is an opportunity to share a glimpse of the Ithra Museum and its rich collection of works.”

International and Regional Impact

How does Ithra’s participation resonate beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders? The inclusion of international artists such as Gregory Mahoney, Do Ho Suh, and Michelangelo Pistoletto alongside prominent Arab creators signals the Kingdom’s openness to global artistic currents. This cross-cultural dialogue is central to Art Week Riyadh’s mission, which aims to foster connections between Saudi and international art communities. For regional artists from Palestine, Lebanon, and Egypt, the exhibition provides a platform to reach new audiences and engage with the broader Middle Eastern narrative. The presence of such a diverse cohort reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a bridge between East and West, facilitating cultural exchange that enriches all parties involved.

On a regional level, Art Week Riyadh and Ithra’s contribution contribute to a growing momentum in the Gulf’s cultural sector. Neighboring countries have invested heavily in museums and biennials, and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious cultural strategy, backed by Vision 2030, positions it as a leader in this space. The inaugural Art Week Riyadh, with its invited collections exhibition, sets a benchmark for future editions and encourages collaboration among institutions across the region. By showcasing works from Palestinian and Egyptian artists, Ithra also acknowledges the shared heritage and interconnected histories of the Arab world, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual appreciation.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic and strategic benefits does Art Week Riyadh bring to the Kingdom? Cultural tourism is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts. By attracting international visitors, collectors, and art professionals, events like Art Week Riyadh stimulate spending in hospitality, retail, and related sectors. The inaugural edition is expected to draw significant attendance, boosting Riyadh’s profile as a destination for cultural travel. Moreover, the presence of galleries and cultural institutions from around the world creates opportunities for partnerships, acquisitions, and the growth of the local art market. Ithra’s participation enhances the event’s prestige, drawing further attention and investment.

Strategically, the exhibition reinforces Saudi Arabia’s soft power and its commitment to fostering a vibrant creative economy. The Ministry of Culture’s Visual Arts Commission has been instrumental in developing infrastructure and programs that support artists and cultural entrepreneurs. By providing a platform for both established and emerging talents, Art Week Riyadh contributes to the development of a sustainable art ecosystem. Ithra’s collection, with its international scope, also serves as an educational resource, inspiring future generations of Saudi artists and curators. The long-term view is to establish Saudi Arabia as a global cultural hub, and this inaugural event is a significant step toward that goal.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does Ithra’s participation in Art Week Riyadh align with Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the economy away from oil, promote cultural enrichment, and enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents. The cultural sector is a vital component of this transformation, and initiatives like Art Week Riyadh directly support the goal of increasing cultural participation and fostering national pride. Ithra, as a world-class cultural institution, embodies the vision’s emphasis on knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement. By sharing its collection, Ithra not only celebrates artistic achievement but also contributes to the Kingdom’s broader narrative of progress and openness.

As Art Week Riyadh continues through April 13 and the “Landscape and Memory” exhibition remains on view at JAX District until May 31, 2025, the event promises to leave a lasting legacy. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class cultural gatherings and to integrate its rich heritage with contemporary global art. Ithra’s first-time presentation of its museum collection at the event marks a milestone in the institution’s outreach and a clear signal of the Kingdom’s cultural ambitions. In doing so, it opens new possibilities for dialogue, inspiration, and shared human experience, firmly positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global art scene.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Ithra’s role at Art Week Riyadh?

A1. Ithra is participating as an Exhibition Partner, presenting a curated selection of 15 works from its museum collection titled “Landscape and Memory” at the inaugural Art Week Riyadh.

Q2. When and where is Art Week Riyadh taking place?

A2. Art Week Riyadh runs from April 6 to 13, 2025, across key cultural sites in Riyadh, including JAX District and Al Mousa Center.

Q3. What is the theme of Art Week Riyadh?

A3. The theme is “At The Edge,” reflecting a focus on boundary-pushing artistic practices and new creative frontiers.

Q4. Which organization initiated Art Week Riyadh?

A4. The event is an initiative of the Visual Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture, established to advance Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem.

Q5. What is the title of Ithra’s exhibition at Art Week Riyadh?

A5. The exhibition is titled “Landscape and Memory,” featuring 15 significant works from Ithra’s museum collection.

Q6. Where exactly is Ithra’s exhibition located?

A6. It is part of the “Collections in Dialogue” exhibition at JAX District, running from April 6 to May 31, 2025.

Q7. What time period do the artworks span?

A7. The works span from the early 1900s to 2022, showcasing a rich variety of artistic practices and cultural expressions.

Q8. Which Saudi artists are featured in the exhibition?

A8. Saudi artists include Mohammed Alfaraj, Maha Malluh, Moath Aloufi, and Sultan bin Fahad, among others.

Q9. What international artists are included?

A9. International artists include Gregory Mahoney (USA), Do Ho Suh (South Korea), and Michelangelo Pistoletto (Italy).

Q10. What themes does “Landscape and Memory” explore?

A10. The exhibition explores the interplay between material memory, transformation, and landscapes that shape identity, questioning how history is preserved and reimagined through art.

Q11. What did Farah Abushullaih say about Ithra’s participation?

A11. Farah Abushullaih, Head of Museum at Ithra, said it is an opportunity to celebrate creative expression and share a glimpse of Ithra Museum’s rich collection.

Q12. What types of artworks are on display?

A12. The display includes sculptures, paintings, and installations, providing a captivating overview of Ithra’s prized art collection.

Q13. How does the exhibition portray memory?

A13. It portrays memory as a dynamic force that links us to the past while opening new possibilities for the future, not merely as a mark on the world.

Q14. What is the significance of JAX District as a venue?

A14. JAX District is a former industrial area transformed into a creative hub, hosting galleries and events that bridge past and present in Riyadh’s art scene.

Q15. How does Art Week Riyadh support Vision 2030?

A15. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting cultural enrichment, economic diversification, and enhancing quality of life, aligning with the goal of a vibrant cultural sector.

Q16. What economic benefits does Art Week Riyadh bring?

A16. It stimulates cultural tourism, boosts hospitality and retail spending, and creates opportunities for partnerships and growth in the local art market.

Q17. Which regional artists are showcased?

A17. Regional artists include Palestinian sculptor Abdul Rahman Katanani, Palestinian artist Hazem Harb, and Egyptian painter and sculptor Moataz Nasr.

Q18. What is the duration of Ithra’s exhibition at JAX District?

A18. The exhibition runs from April 6 to May 31, 2025, extending beyond the Art Week Riyadh dates.

Q19. How does Ithra’s participation enhance the event’s prestige?

A19. Ithra’s world-class collection and reputation draw international attention, elevating the profile of Art Week Riyadh and attracting further investment and visitors.

Q20. What legacy might Art Week Riyadh leave for Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector?

A20. It sets a benchmark for future editions, fosters international collaboration, and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global cultural hub in line with Vision 2030.

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