Riyadh: The capital of open-air art at the heart of Vision 2030
For seven consecutive editions, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium established Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, as a leading global destination for open-air sculpture. It has transcended its status as a mere artistic event, evolving into a vibrant cultural practice where the creative process resonates with the pulse of daily life. Here, the artwork is presented as a lived and witnessed experience, not as an isolated final product housed in a closed museum. The symposium is based on the concept of "living sculpture," allowing the public to witness the creation of artworks step by step, from a lifeless block of rock to a sculpture embodying a unique artistic vision, thus fostering direct interaction between the artist, the audience, and the space itself.
Cultural and historical context: Art as part of national transformation
This success comes within the broader context of the cultural and social transformation underway in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The Vision aims to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy, and art and culture play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Initiatives such as the Riyadh Art Program, under which the Tuwaiq Art Forum falls, aim not only to beautify cities but also to improve quality of life, strengthen national identity, support the creative economy, and open channels for cultural dialogue with the world. Riyadh has transformed from a city that imported art to one that produces and exports it as part of its contemporary identity, reflecting a growing confidence in its creative capabilities.
Significance and impact: Local footprint and global reach
The power of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium lies in its multifaceted impact. Locally , the symposium enriches the city's visual landscape, with the resulting artworks being integrated into parks and public squares, becoming an integral part of Riyadh's urban memory. It also provides a unique platform for Saudi artists to engage with their international counterparts and gain new experiences. Regionally , the symposium sets a new standard for public art initiatives in the region, highlighting Riyadh as a competitive cultural capital. Internationally , the symposium has garnered a prestigious reputation, attracting artists from around the world and international cultural institutions that now view Riyadh as an active partner in the global art scene. Since its inception in 2019, the symposium has hosted more than 170 artists, fostering a genuine, cross-cultural artistic dialogue.
Continuity and sustainability: From temporary effectiveness to a lasting legacy
What distinguishes the Tuwaiq Symposium from other global initiatives is its focus on continuity and accumulation. While renowned international exhibitions such as Sculpture by the Sea in Australia or Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the United Kingdom are held there, the Riyadh experience has acquired its unique character by transforming artworks into a lasting urban legacy. The symposium's mission does not end with its conclusion; rather, a new phase begins by integrating sculptures into the fabric of the city, transforming art from a fleeting event into an enduring influence that is rediscovered with each generation. This year's edition, themed "Glimpses of What Will Be," reflects this future-oriented vision and art's ability to anticipate transformations and shape a new awareness of the city and its growing cultural role.
