The Diriyah Biennale Foundation inaugurated the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled ‘And All That is in Between,’ on January 26, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event, which will run until May 25, 2025, takes place at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, a venue of deep spiritual significance for millions of Muslim pilgrims. By juxtaposing historical artifacts with contemporary art, the Biennale explores the multifaceted experience of faith, emphasizing how belief is felt, expressed, and celebrated across cultures.
Context and Background
The title, ‘And All That is in Between,’ is derived from a Quranic verse that speaks to the majesty of God’s creation. This edition spans five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, featuring over 500 objects and contemporary artworks. The artistic team, led by experts Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, alongside Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as Curator, brings a global perspective to the curation of Islamic art.
Key Details
A major highlight is the first-ever display of the entire Kiswah—the cloth covering the Holy Kaaba—outside of Makkah, specifically the one that adorned the Kaaba last year. The Biennale also features contributions from over 30 artists, with 29 new commissions, from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, and beyond. Loans from leading global institutions enrich the exhibition, including the Musée du Louvre (Paris), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research (Timbuktu), the Museum of Islamic Art (Doha), and the Manuscripts Institute of Türkiye (Istanbul). Saudi contributors include the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) (Dhahran), the King Abdulaziz Waqf Libraries Assembly (Madinah), and the King Fahad National Library (Riyadh).
Implications and International Impact
The Biennale solidifies Saudi Arabia’s role as a global cultural hub, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage while promoting contemporary artistic expression. The international collaboration and participation of leading institutions underscore the event’s significance in bridging historical and modern interpretations of Islamic art, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Islamic Arts Biennale directly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting cultural enrichment, tourism, and global engagement. It supports the Kingdom’s goal of positioning itself as a leading destination for arts and culture, showcasing its heritage and modern aspirations. Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to fostering creativity, education, and international partnerships, contributing to a vibrant society and a diversified economy.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the name of the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale?
A1. The Biennale is titled ‘And All That is in Between,’ inspired by a Quranic verse that highlights God’s creation of the heavens, the earth, and everything in between.
Q2. Who organized the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale?
A2. The Biennale was organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, a Saudi institution dedicated to fostering cultural and artistic exchange.
Q3. Where is the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale being held?
A3. It is held at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, a site deeply connected to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Q4. When did the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale open and when does it close?
A4. It opened on January 26, 2025, and will run until May 25, 2025, offering four months for visitors to explore the exhibits.
Q5. How many objects and artworks are on display at the Biennale?
A5. The Biennale features over 500 objects and contemporary artworks, blending historical artifacts with modern pieces.
Q6. Who are the key curators of the Biennale?
A6. The international curatorial team includes Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, Abdul Rahman Azzam, and Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as Curator.
Q7. What is a significant historical object on display for the first time?
A7. The entire Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba, is displayed for the first time outside of Makkah, specifically the one from last year.
Q8. How many artists are participating in the Biennale?
A8. Over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, and internationally are participating, with 29 new commissions.
Q9. Which international museums have loaned pieces to the Biennale?
A9. Loans come from the Musée du Louvre (Paris), Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Ahmed Baba Institute (Timbuktu), Museum of Islamic Art (Doha), and Manuscripts Institute of Türkiye (Istanbul).
Q10. How is the Biennale linked to Vision 2030?
A10. It supports Vision 2030 by enhancing cultural tourism, showcasing Saudi heritage, and promoting global cultural engagement and artistic collaboration.
Q11. How many exhibition halls does the Biennale have?
A11. The Biennale spans five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, covering 100,000 square meters of exhibition area.
Q12. What are the thematic sections of the Biennale?
A12. The seven thematic sections are AlBidayah, AlMadar, AlMuqtani, AlMidhallah, AlMukarramah, AlMunawwarah, and AlMusalla.
Q13. What public programs accompany the Biennale?
A13. Programs include talks, workshops, community initiatives, and symposia, such as Biennale After School and Biennale After Work for children and adults.
Q14. What is the significance of the venue for Muslim pilgrims?
A14. The Western Hajj Terminal is a departure point for pilgrims embarking on Hajj and Umrah, adding profound spiritual meaning to the venue.
Q15. Which Saudi institutions contributed to the Biennale?
A15. Saudi contributors include Ithra (Dhahran), King Abdulaziz Waqf Libraries Assembly (Madinah), and King Fahad National Library (Riyadh).
Q16. How does the Biennale support Saudi artists?
A16. It offers a global platform for Saudi artists through new commissions and collaborations, fostering their international reputation.
Q17. What is the core theme of the Biennale?
A17. The theme explores how faith is experienced and expressed through feeling, thinking, and making, using historical and contemporary art.
Q18. How can visitors access the Biennale?
A18. Visitors can attend during the exhibition period from January 25 to May 25, 2025, at the Jeddah venue, with public programs available.
Q19. What is the role of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation?
A19. The foundation aims to establish the Biennale as a central global platform for Islamic arts, fostering cultural dialogue and artistic innovation.
Q20. Why is the Biennale important for international cultural exchange?
A20. It brings together global institutions and artists, promoting cross-cultural understanding and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to heritage and modernity.
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