Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennial 2026: Artist List and Event Details
In a move that reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global cultural destination, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation has officially revealed the final list of artists participating in the highly anticipated 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale . The event, eagerly awaited by art enthusiasts worldwide, is scheduled to open on January 30th in Diriyah’s Jax Creative District, a region that blends historical charm with modern dynamism.
An exceptional session under the slogan “In the City and on the Road”
This edition comes under the striking title “In Settlement and Travel,” a slogan that carries profound connotations beyond mere artistic presentation. This title draws its themes from the long history of the Arab region as a bridge of civilizations, where movement, migration, trade caravans, and pilgrimage were fundamental factors in shaping cultural identity and exchanging knowledge with various peoples of the world. Through this concept, the Biennale seeks to explore how these historical transformations contributed to building the bridges of human connection we see today.
Extensive global participation and exclusive works
The 2026 edition is witnessing unprecedented artistic momentum, with the list including:
- More than 65 artists and creators .
- Extensive international representation encompassing 37 different countries.
- The exhibition featured 22 new artworks specially commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
Participation is not limited to visual artists; it extends to a diverse range of creative individuals, including musicians, filmmakers, architects, and writers. Their work explores complex concepts such as continuity, resilience, and collective imagination, particularly in light of the major transformations the world is experiencing.
An innovative artistic vision and scenography
The third edition of the Biennale is curated by artistic directors Noura Razian and Sabih Ahmad , who offer a critical vision that re-examines the worlds around us, reflecting the social and environmental transformations of the 21st century. To enhance this experience, the exhibition's scenography was meticulously designed by the renowned Italian design studio Forma Fantasma. This design aims to create an environment where history intertwines with collective memory, reflecting a harmony between humanity and the environment through a unified rhythm that resonates throughout the Jaxx neighborhood.
Cultural impact and importance of the event
Aya Albakri affirmed that this event will be a meeting point for generations and cultures, offering a rich diversity of artistic experiences in the heart of historic Diriyah. This event comes within the context of the Kingdom's massive cultural transformation under Vision 2030, which has transformed Riyadh and Diriyah into global art hubs.
For their part, the two artistic directors explained that working on this course took a full year of research and studying the historical contexts of the Arab region, in order to monitor the rapid transformations and interact with intellectual questions that have a global resonance, which confirms the role of art as a tool for reading and understanding the contemporary world.
