Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the Middle East and North Africa’s first New Media Arts hub, has officially opened its doors in Diriyah, the historic birthplace of the Saudi State. Developed by the Saudi Museums Commission in partnership with Diriyah Company, DAF contributes to the global New Media and Digital Art landscape by integrating regional voices and pioneering practices in art, technology, and innovation.
DAF has launched with a dynamic programme of activities, a groundbreaking exhibition and a rich public engagement calendar.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF is designed to empower regional and international artists, scholars, and technologists to collaborate and create. This cutting-edge hub features state-of-the-art facilities, including digital labs, studios, and exhibition spaces.
Diriyah Art Futures
Mona Khazindar, Advisor to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture stated: “Diriyah Art Futures embodies our commitment to advancing innovation and nurturing new forms of creative expression. Through this institution, we aim to empower artists and scholars through supporting them to produce significant works and amplifying their voice on the global stage. By creating a platform for collaboration and creativity, Diriyah Art Futures establishes Saudi Arabia as a cultural leader and reaffirms the Kingdom’s vision to nurture artistic expression both locally and internationally.”
Haytham Nawar, Director of Diriyah Art Futures, said: “The opening of Diriyah Art Futures represents a milestone in the evolving narrative of New Media Art, bringing regional perspectives to global conversations. DAF will push creative boundaries and serve as a hub for critical engagement and innovation at the intersection of art and technology.”
DAF’s launch is marked by its first exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, running from November 26, 2024, to February 15, 2025. Curated by Jérôme Neutres, the exhibition explores the history of computer art from the 1960s to the present day, featuring works by more than 30 international and regional artists.
Visitors will encounter works by pioneers such as Frieder Nake (Germany) and Vera Molnar (Hungary/France) alongside contemporary innovators like Refik Anadol (Turkey) and Ryoji Ikeda (Japan). Saudi artists including Lulwah Alhomoud, Muhannad Shono, and Nasser Alshemimry (DesertFish) are also featured, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning contributions to New Media and Digital Art. Entry tickets to the exhibition are available for purchase on WeBook platform.
Alongside its opening, DAF is also launching the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France. This year-long initiative equips emerging artists with advanced equipment, mentorship, and funding to create innovative multidisciplinary works.
In addition, DAF has announced the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency which will run from February to April 2025. This three-month programme invites established artists and scholars to engage with DAF’s resources to create works reflecting on the relationship between nature, technology, and society.
The launch of Diriyah Art Futures aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to advancing innovation, driving global collaboration, and positioning the country as a leader in the global creative economy.
Learn more about DAF here daf.moc.gov.sa/en
