Diriyah Art Futures: Bridging Heritage and Innovation through New Media Art

The Middle East and North Africa’s first dedicated hub for new media and digital art, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), is set to host its inaugural Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency from February to April 2025. Located in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the residency aims to unite global artists and scholars at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

A Vision of Cultural Transformation

The residency, announced by DAF ahead of its official opening on November 26, 2024, reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position Riyadh as a global center for cultural exchange and innovation in digital art. Speaking about the initiative, Mona Khazindar, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture, stated, “We are establishing the Kingdom as a hub of cultural exchange, pioneering new forms of expression in the heart of one of our most cherished historic districts.”

DAF, developed by the Saudi Museums Commission, boasts a 6,550-square-meter facility that merges cutting-edge infrastructure with the traditional architecture of Diriyah, employing locally sourced stone and earth to complement the historic city’s mud-brick buildings. Designed by Italian architects Schiattarella Associati, the space houses studios, fabrication labs, VR/AR production facilities, and exhibition areas.

Mazra’ah Residency: An Immersive Creative Journey

The Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency is designed to be a retreat for creative innovation, offering selected participants a production budget, access to advanced facilities, and connections to regional and international networks. Participants will also enjoy comfortable living accommodations, a library, and a dedicated archive for new media arts.

The 2025 residency is themed “High-Resolution Dreams of Sand”, encouraging exploration of the relationship between nature, technology, and humanity. The residency emphasizes a dual commitment to global creative dialogue and regional perspectives, actively encouraging participation from the Middle East, North Africa, and the global south.

Who Can Apply?

The program invites proposals from:

1. Artists working with sound, visual media, and technology-driven methodologies, including computational and biological art.
2. Scholars specializing in the theory and cultural impacts of new media and digital art.

Applicants must submit a project proposal aligned with the 2025 theme, detailing their conceptual framework, timeline, and budget, along with a portfolio or CV. Proposals are due by January 20, 2025.

Diriyah: A Symbol of Heritage and Renewal

DAF’s setting in Diriyah resonates with its mission to bridge the past and future. Historically a 15th-century agricultural and political hub, Diriyah was revitalized after being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. The city’s ongoing transformation—combining preservation of its ancient landmarks with modern cultural initiatives—reflects its dual role as an oasis of heritage and a beacon of innovation.

Global Impact

The Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency offers a platform for artists and scholars to push the boundaries of new media practices, foster global collaborations, and bring regional perspectives to the forefront of art and technology. As Dr. Haytham Nawar, Director of DAF, aptly puts it, “This is where the impossible comes to life.”

Through initiatives like DAF, Saudi Arabia is not only redefining its cultural landscape but also making significant strides in establishing itself as a key player in global artistic and technological innovation.