Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Renaissance Highlighted at Riyadh Forum

RIYADH: A five-day cultural forum organized by Fenaa Alawwal in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, co-curated by Afikra, is shedding light on the role of contemporary art practices in Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation. The event is exploring the theme, “Introspection: The Role of Contemporary Art Practices in a Time of Change.”

Inaugural Muntada Forum Focuses on Saudi Art

The Muntada Forum of Contemporary Art Practices kicked off on Sunday, offering a platform for discussions that will run until September 19. The forum includes five panel discussions and showcases 24 creatives, exploring diverse topics, including how Saudi artists are shaping the Kingdom’s global image.

The forum also covers youth culture, including music, street art, and fashion, alongside the role of art professionals in navigating creativity within structured frameworks. Additional discussions will focus on the emergence of cultural hubs and the intersection of food and art.

Enthusiastic Attendance Despite Challenges

Despite heavy traffic in Riyadh, art enthusiasts, curators, and locals flocked to the forum’s opening. The venue, built in 1988 and designed by Omrania architecture company, served as the perfect backdrop for this cultural gathering.

Every seat was filled during the first panel, titled “Soft Power: Saudi Artists’ Role in Shaping the Kingdom’s Global Image.” Curator Sara Al-Mutlaq moderated the session, featuring speakers Ahmed Mater, a doctor-turned-artist, and Alia Al-Senussi, a cultural strategist and art patron.

The Role of Saudi Art in Global Perception

Al-Senussi highlighted the importance of art in projecting soft power globally, stating that Saudi artists play a pivotal role in showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural evolution. Ahmed Mater added that art serves as a mirror reflecting sociopolitical changes over the decades. He touched on his upcoming book, which discusses significant events starting from 1979 and their impact on the region and the world.

Mater referenced key historical moments like the Iranian Revolution, the Gulf War, and the rise of social media, emphasizing how these events influenced both local and international landscapes. He also noted the role of art in narrating these changes and how it shapes collective memory.

Key Insights from Cultural Leaders

The opening night also featured keynote speeches from curator Maya El-Khalil and Saudi artist Moath Alofi. Upcoming sessions will include speakers like Hala Al-Hedeithy from the Music Commission, Gigi Arabia from Heavy Arabia, and Nada Al-Helabi from MDLBEAST. Mikey Muhanna, the founder of Afikra, will also contribute to the discussions.

Other notable participants include Lulwah Al-Homoud, curator and artist; Oliver Farrell from Misk Art; Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission; and Sybel Vazquez from the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.

Culinary Arts Take the Stage

A unique feature of the forum is a dedicated kitchen lab, where discussions on food and art will take center stage. Celebrity chef Joe Barza will host the event, sharing his insights into the culinary arts. The forum will conclude with a performance by Nadir Nahdi, a social media sensation and culinary storyteller.

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