Riyadh loves its arts and culture and as a result the buzzy capital is becoming the place to be for creatives. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is a key part in all things art.
Having hosted the first-ever Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale last year, and Saudi Design Festival this year, the city is set to be full of creative energy.
If you’re looking for the party behind the art biennales in Saudi Arabia, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation is just what you’re after. The Foundation aims to be a catalyst for global dialogue between the many diverse art communities within the Kingdom and beyond.
Not sure what we’re on about? To get acquainted with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, here’s everything you need to know.
When is the Diriyah Biennale Foundation?
Established in 2020 by the Ministry of Culture, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation is an organisation responsible for playing a crucial role in promoting creative expression and instilling an appreciation for culture and arts in Saudi Arabia. It usually organises public events about arts, culture, music, and more.
What does the Diriyah Biennale Foundation aim to do?
Following all the exceptional changes in Saudi Arabia, the Diriyah Biennale aims to promote creative expression in the Kingdom. It also hopes to create a global dialogue for art in Saudi Arabia, thereby establishing the country as an important art and cultural centre.
The biennales are organised by DBF leading artists from all over the world and of course Saudi Arabia. It also creates opportunities for artists and enriches the local art scene.
What’s happening with the foundation?
Diriyah Biennale Foundation held Saudi Arabia’s first-ever art biennale: the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale from December 2021 to March 2022 in the JAX district of Diriyah. The upcoming second biennale will focus on Islamic arts and is scheduled to take place in Jeddah in early 2023.
Interested in more? Diriyah Biennale Foundation recently welcomed the Mystique Night festival, which was hosted on Friday September 2 and was filled with electronic music and digital art. Mystique Night also had an indoor concert stage, outdoor zones for food and drinks and a cultural area for graffiti and art.
The foundation is also going to be hosting Techno Therapy, the latest music festival in Riyadh’s music scene. The lineup will host major Saudi artists like Cosmicat and Dish Dash along with Lebanese/British record label founder, radio personality and DJ/Producer Nicole Moudaber and Portuguese Riyadh-based DJ LJ.
What was the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale?
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale was Saudi Arabia’s first-ever contemporary art biennale. Hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the incredible art affair ran for three months. The event took place in Diriyah’s post-industrial JAX district.
The Biennale showcased works from national and international artists responding to the theme “Feeling the Stones”, creating a dialogue around contemporary art. It was drawn from a Chinese phrase that China’s revolutionary leader Deng Xiaoping popularised: ‘cross the river by feeling the stones’.
Where was the first-ever contemporary art biennale held?
Diriyah is home to some of the best arty locations, so where else to hold the momentous event than Diriyah itself? The Biennale was held in JAX Diriyah. The district is home to nearly 100 industrial warehouses and aims to be the “it” destination for arts and culture events in the city (how fitting).
Does the Diriyah Biennale Foundation offer any programmes?
The foundation has previously offered a variety of public programmes like DB Art 101(introductory talks on foundational concepts in art and culture), workshops, kids camp, masterclasses, debates, creative experiences (film screenings, open mics and storytelling sessions, quiz nights), panel discussions, and talks during its active season. We are expecting to see more great programs along the way.
What’s next for Diriyah Biennale Foundation?
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation announced that the Islamic Arts Biennale will be taking place at the Hajj terminal in Jeddah from Monday January 23 to Sunday April 23, 2023.
The Biennale will be held under the theme of Awwal Bayt (First House).The theme aims to examine how the Ka’bah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah create a sense of belonging among Muslims worldwide in reference to their own homes (bayt).
Diriyah. biennale.org.sa.
After more creative events in Saudi Arabia? Click here for the top arts and culture events in Riyadh.
