Encounter Residency: Visual Arts Opens Applications for its Second Session
In a move that reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading cultural destination, the Visual Arts Commission officially announced the opening of applications for the second cycle of the third edition of the "Residence Encounter" program, based in the historic Jax district of Diriyah. This announcement complements the Commission's ongoing efforts to develop the infrastructure of the arts sector and create a stimulating environment for creativity, contributing to the enrichment of the local art scene and building bridges with the international art community.
The third edition of this ambitious program is distinguished by its three consecutive three-month sessions, aiming to attract fifteen creative individuals, including artists and curators, from both within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This expansion follows the resounding success of the previous two editions, which saw the active participation of over seventy artists and art practitioners from around the world, fostering a dynamic artistic movement and tangible cultural exchange.
Participants in the “Residence Encounter” program receive a comprehensive support package designed to enable them to dedicate themselves fully to their creative projects. The Authority provides full funding for the residency, including accommodation, living expenses, and production support, in addition to dedicated, fully equipped studios in the Jaxx district. This support extends beyond financial and logistical assistance to include intensive mentorship programs, professional development sessions, specialized workshops, lectures, and field trips aimed at refining participants' skills and broadening their artistic horizons.
Contextually, this program gains particular significance given its location in the Jax District of Diriyah, a living example of the Kingdom's cultural transformation. This district has been transformed from an industrial and warehouse area into a vibrant creative hub, reflecting the program's philosophy of "transformation" and "innovation." This strategic location adjacent to historic Diriyah offers artists a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from rich heritage and integrate it with contemporary art, thereby strengthening Saudi cultural identity and presenting it to the world in modern forms.
Each residency program culminates in an “Open Studio” event, an interactive platform that allows participants to showcase their artistic output and research projects to the general public, cultural institutions, and media partners. This event provides a crucial opportunity to build professional networks and test artistic ideas in a collaborative environment that brings together experts and the local community, thus reinforcing the concepts of artistic sustainability, which is the third pillar of the program.
The Visual Arts Commission affirmed that the continuation and development of the “Residence Encounter” 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. Through these initiatives, the Commission seeks to empower creative practitioners, enhance Riyadh’s position as a regional and global cultural hub, and contribute to diversifying the national economy by activating the role of the creative economy.
The Authority called on those wishing to participate to submit their applications through the dedicated digital platform, as applications for the current session will continue to be received until February 5, 2026. The conditions for acceptance are that the applicant must be at least 21 years old, with a commitment to full availability throughout the stay, to ensure maximum benefit from the opportunities and resources available.
