In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting artistic and cultural initiatives, the Visual Arts Commission officially announced the opening of applications for the second cycle of the third edition of its "Residence Encounter" program. This pioneering program will be held in the Jax district of Diriyah, which has become the vibrant heart of contemporary art in the Kingdom, as part of the Commission's strategy to develop the artist residency system and enrich the creative landscape both locally and internationally.
Details of the third edition and program tracks
The third edition of the program features a sophisticated structure delivered across three consecutive three-month cycles. This current cycle aims to attract fifteen creative individuals, including visual artists and curators from both within the Kingdom and abroad. This expansion follows the remarkable success of the previous two editions, which saw the participation of over seventy artists and art practitioners from around the world, fostering a fertile environment for the exchange of experiences and cultures.
Jacks Neighborhood: From Industrial Area to Cultural Beacon
The program is particularly significant given its location in the Jax District of Diriyah. This district, once an industrial warehouse area, has been transformed, thanks to the Kingdom's cultural vision, into a vibrant creative hub housing artists' studios and galleries. This location offers participants in the "Convergence Residency" a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from the rich history of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and blend it with a spirit of modernity and artistic experimentation.
Benefits and support provided to participants
Participants receive a comprehensive support package during their stay, including:
- Full funding covering living and accommodation costs.
- Providing private and fully equipped work studios.
- Intensive technical guidance and professional development programs.
- Workshops, lectures and field visits to the most prominent cultural landmarks.
- Fully funded accommodation and dedicated support for the production of artistic works.
Each session concludes with the "Open Studio" event, an interactive platform that allows participants to present their final projects to the public, critics, and cultural institutions, opening up broad prospects for future collaboration.
Conceptual pillars and objectives of Vision 2030
The program's philosophy rests on three fundamental pillars: innovation, transformation, and sustainability . These pillars serve as a conceptual framework guiding the artistic paths of the participants. The Authority affirmed that the ongoing development of the "Residence Meeting" program aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which places culture and the arts at the heart of quality of life and sustainable development programs, and seeks to enhance Riyadh's position as a regional and global cultural hub, as well as empower creative practitioners to actively contribute to the national economy.
Application requirements and deadline
The Authority invites those interested in joining this unique artistic experience to submit their applications through the dedicated digital platform. Applications will be accepted until February 5, 2026. The Authority stipulates that applicants must be at least 21 years old and must be fully available throughout the residency period to ensure maximum benefit from the program. Details of the two subsequent sessions will be announced later.
