Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026: Riyadh hosts international art in its seventh edition
In a move that reinforces the Saudi capital's position as a global cultural and artistic destination, Riyadh Art, a major project of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, announced details of the seventh edition of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026. This event, one of the most prominent international gatherings specializing in sculpture, is scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 22, 2026.
Details of the seventh edition and the event location
The Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Road (Al-Tahlia) is hosting the symposium's events, a location of significant historical and urban significance to the residents of Riyadh. This year's edition is distinguished by the broad participation of 25 artists from 18 different countries, including a select group of Saudi artists, creating a platform for cultural dialogue and the exchange of artistic experiences among diverse sculptural schools.
Cultural context and an ambitious national vision
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium is not a fleeting artistic event, but rather falls within the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically within the initiatives of the Quality of Life Program. The Riyadh Art Program aims to transform Riyadh into an open-air art gallery, seamlessly integrating tradition and modernity into the city's urban fabric. The symposium's continuation for the seventh year reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the arts and making them an integral part of daily life for residents and visitors alike, thus strengthening the Kingdom's soft power and showcasing its evolving cultural identity.
“Features of what will be”: The philosophy of transformation and sustainability
Under the theme “Features of What Will Be,” the upcoming forum will explore the concept of transformation as a physical and intellectual process that keeps pace with the rapid urban changes taking place in Riyadh. The forum will focus particularly on sustainability through two main tracks:
- The first path: Sculpting using Saudi granite stone, known for its hardness and aesthetics, with the possibility of incorporating stainless steel.
- The second approach: focusing on recycled metals, highlighting environmental awareness in contemporary artistic practices.
An interactive experience and a lasting artistic legacy
The event offers the public a unique opportunity to witness live sculpture, where raw materials are transformed into monumental works of art right before their eyes. These works gain added value, as all completed sculptures will join the permanent Riyadh Art Collection, later to be displayed in prominent locations and public squares throughout the capital, contributing to the beautification of the urban landscape and leaving an artistic legacy for future generations.
It is worth mentioning that the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, since its first launch in 2019, has succeeded in attracting more than 150 artists from different countries around the world, and has contributed to enriching the capital with more than 150 works of art, thus consolidating its position as a leading international platform for creativity and innovation.
