Misk Art Week 2025: Highlights of exhibitions and events in Riyadh

In a move that reinforces the Saudi capital's position as a leading regional cultural destination, the Misk Art Institute , part of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), launched the ninth edition of Misk Art Week . Hosted at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Art Gallery in Riyadh, the event offers an immersive six-day art experience that blends tradition and modernity.

A renewed cultural context and a leading role

Since its founding in 2017, the Misk Art Institute has played a pivotal role in shaping the Saudi art scene, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 , which prioritizes culture and the arts as pillars of quality of life and economic diversification. This ninth edition of the event further underscores its continued impact, transforming from an annual gathering into a strategic platform for empowering Saudi and Gulf artists and fostering cultural dialogue with a global audience.

The impact of this event is not limited to the aesthetic aspect only, but extends to include economic and social aspects by supporting the “creative economy”, and providing spaces for direct interaction between creators and the public, which contributes to raising artistic awareness and developing public taste.

Key art exhibitions: A dialogue between memory and place

This year's edition features high-quality exhibitions that reflect the depth of artistic experience in the region:

• The “Art Across the Arabian Gulf” exhibition is an exploratory journey through the history of modern Gulf art. Featuring over 70 artists and showcasing more than 150 artworks, the exhibition highlights the urban and social transformations in the Gulf states, re-examining questions of identity and belonging in the context of rapid modernization.
• The exhibition “A Circumstance of Place” offers a philosophical reading of the relationship between humanity and its environment (land, sea, and sky). Featuring over 20 artists residing in the Gulf, their works are organized around the themes of “darkness,” “day,” and “dawn,” addressing pressing issues such as climate change and cultural memory.

A comprehensive platform for education and interaction

Misk Art Week is not just about exhibitions; it places a strong emphasis on the educational and interactive aspects, as the schedule includes:

• The Art and Design Market: A vibrant space that includes more than 90 creators, allowing visitors to acquire unique art pieces and support local production, with dedicated corners for Saudi craftsmen in line with the “Year of Handicrafts” initiative.
• Educational programs and workshops: More than 75 educational programs and practical workshops covering diverse fields such as visual arts, photography, and multimedia, providing opportunities for continuous learning for amateurs and professionals.
• The “Space” Art Residency Program: In its tenth edition, the residency showcases the works of 12 artists who undertook a three-month research journey on the concepts of perception and memory, with the support of the Saudi French Bank.

Strategic partnerships to support the arts

The success of this edition is the result of extensive collaboration with partners from various sectors, with the National Commercial Bank (NCB) as a key partner, alongside the Ministry of Culture and the Heritage Commission. These partnerships contribute to strengthening the arts infrastructure and facilitating public access to events, as is the case with Flynas as the official airline and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group as the healthcare partner.

In conclusion, Misk Art Week 2025 cements its position as an indispensable event on the region’s cultural calendar, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to building a vibrant creative community and making art a common language accessible to all.