Art Week Riyadh 2025 is here – and here’s what to expect at the inaugural edition
Experience a dynamic mix of exhibitions alongside a public programme of talks and more…
From art made with shattered glass and plastic toy gun caps to large, intricate textile works, paintings, and sculptures, a full spectrum of artworks is illuminating Art Week Riyadh 2025.
Taking place until Sunday April 13, Art Week Riyadh features works from over 45 local, regional, and international galleries, as well as private and institutional collections, alongside a public programme of talks and more.
Kader Attia, Le grand miroir du monde, 2017, mirrors, site specific dimension, Galleria Continua San Gimignano. Courtesy the artist and GALLERIA CONTINUA. Photograph by Ela Bialkowska
Here’s what you can expect from the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh.
Held under the theme ‘At The Edge’, the Art Week Riyadh 2025 line-up is a promising one, set to unfold over eight days.
The week-long celebration of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic art scene will take place across key cultural sites in Riyadh, including JAX District, Al Mousa Centre, L’Art Pur Foundation, TRITA, Shamalat, Naila Art Gallery, Hewar Art Gallery, 015 Gallery, Isdar, Abdulnasser Al Gharem Studio, and Nasser Al Salem Studio.
This first edition will explore Riyadh’s dynamic essence, emphasising its vibrant cultural landscape and expanding presence on the global art stage. With programming aimed at honouring the past, celebrating the present, and building for the future, Art Week Riyadh will highlight the depth and breadth of Saudi Arabia’s art scene.
Wael Shawky, The Gulf Project Camp_ Carved wood (after ‘Hajj (Panoramic Overview of Mecca)’ by Andreas Magnus Hunglinger, 1803), 2019, Oil on carved wood, 250 x 400 x 15 cm, 98 3_8 x 157 1_2 x 5 7_8 in. © Wael Shawky, Courtesy Lisson
Some of the must-sees at this art extravaganza
There are countless ways to experience Art Week Riyadh 2025. From creative installations to a series of high-profile talks and engaging workshops, there’s something for everyone, everywhere. Venture off the beaten path to explore all the art precincts, and be sure you don’t miss a thing.
The flagship exhibition, ‘At The Edge’, at JAX District, brings together more than 30 local, regional, and international galleries. Each presents curated selections that collectively explore the evolving cultural dialogues between Saudi Arabia, the MENA region, and the global contemporary art scene.
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Meanwhile, over 20 galleries will present solo and group exhibitions at Riyadh’s Al Mousa Centre, highlighting pioneering artists and emerging talents from the region and abroad.
JAX will host three exhibitions under the title ‘Collections in Dialogue’ by invited collections from Ithra, Art Jameel and the Saudi Research and Media Group, offering a rare and expansive insight into Saudi’s evolving cultural identity, while emphasising the critical role of collecting in shaping and preserving visual culture.
A series of high-profile talks and workshops at JAX will reflect on themes and questions facing the visual arts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and around the world today. Curated by Shumon Basar and entitled “How to Art World? Lessons in Value”, the program will include contributions from partners such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Gagosian.
‘Moving Image’ will highlight the medium’s capacity to explore complex personal, cultural and social narratives, featuring works by Theaster Gates, Zineb Sedira, Hicham Berrada, Bani Abidi, Laurent Grasso, Afra Al Dhaheri, Mohamed Bourouissa, Sarah Brahim, Farideh Lashai and Hashel Al Lamki.
Ahmed Mater, Hulm (Dream), Ed. 8, 2024, Plastic toy gun caps glued and mounted on wooden board, 185 x 185 cm, 72.83 x 72.83 in. Courtesy of Ahmed Mater Studio
At JAX, some of Saudi Arabia’s leading artists, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Zedani, Marwah AlMugait, and Muhannad Shono, amongst others, will open the doors to their studios. JAX resident galleries ATHR, Hafez, and Lift will also present exhibitions, panel discussions, and workshops.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art will present two exhibitions, “Art of the Kingdom” and “Adaptability Ceramics”, as well as workshops and pop-ups.
Overall, it will be a feast for the senses and a celebration of our arts scene.
Plus, admission to Art Week Riyadh 2025 is free – simply book your visit via the WeBook platform here.
Art Week Riyadh 2025, Apr 6 to 13, 4pm to 11pm (except on Thurs, Fri & Sat 4pm to midnight), various locations, including JAX District. Free entry, but you’re required to book your visit here.
Images: Supplied