Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium: How did Riyadh become a global destination for the arts?
Over seven consecutive editions of continuous innovation, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium redefined the art scene in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, cementing the city's position as a major global hub for open-air sculpture. The event is no longer merely a fleeting annual occurrence, but has evolved into a vibrant cultural practice where the creative process intersects with the daily lives of residents and visitors, presenting the artwork as a journey to be witnessed and experienced moment by moment, rather than as a final, isolated result confined within museum walls.
The concept of living sculpture: Art in the heart of the city
The core of the symposium is based on the concept of "living sculpture," a global art form in which works are created in open public spaces. This practice offers the public a rare opportunity to witness the transformation of silent rock formations into vibrant works of art, making the viewer a partner in the artistic experience in real time. The Riyadh experience has acquired a unique character thanks to its continuity and urban integration, giving it a sustainable nature that distinguishes it from temporary initiatives.
Global context and a unique local model
Historically, outdoor sculpture experiences have been associated with prestigious global initiatives that have transformed nature into open-air museums, such as the "Sculpture by the Sea" exhibition in Australia, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the United Kingdom, and sites like the Fattoria di Celle in Italy. Within this competitive context, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Project has firmly established Riyadh on this global stage, but with a cohesive local model built upon accumulated knowledge and artistic experience, inspired by the steadfastness of the Tuwaiq Mountains, which symbolize Saudi ambition.
Dialogue of civilizations through art
Since its inception in 2019, the forum has brought together more than 170 artists from the Kingdom and various continents around the world. These artists worked in a unified environment using similar local materials, creating a cross-cultural artistic dialogue that transcended language barriers. This direct interaction contributed to building bridges of human understanding and strengthened the confidence of international cultural institutions in Riyadh's ability to manage and host large-scale artistic events to international standards.
Riyadh Art: Improving Quality of Life
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium cannot be separated from the broader context of the Riyadh Art Project, one of the four major projects launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh Development. This ambitious project aims to transform the capital into an open-air art gallery that blends tradition and modernity, perfectly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and support the creative economy.
Sustainable impact and future features
The true strength of the Tuwaiq experience lies in its sustainability; the artworks created do not end with the conclusion of the forum, but are subsequently distributed to adorn squares, gardens, and public spaces in Riyadh, becoming an integral part of the city's visual memory. This year's edition, themed "Glimpses of What Will Be," reflects the role of art in envisioning the future, affirming that Riyadh is not merely a host of art, but a creator of it, a city confidently growing culturally to become a beacon of civilization in the region and the world.
