Dina Amin on Building Saudi Arabia's Visual Arts Ecosystem

In a recent chat with ArtAsiaPacific, Dina Amin, who leads the Visual Arts Commission in Saudi Arabia, shared insights into their diverse initiatives aimed at enriching the country's visual arts scene. Their work includes preserving art, supporting artists, and fostering international partnerships. One standout project is the Art Bridges initiative, which connects Saudi artists with peers in Scotland, South Korea, Japan, and Spain. At the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, the Saudi Pavilion will feature Dana Awartani's work, 'May your tears never dry, you who weep over stones,' curated by Antonia Carver and Hafsa Alkhudairi. The exhibition 'Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement' at the National Museum in Riyadh showcases over 250 pieces from 73 artists active between the 1960s and '80s. Amin emphasizes the importance of building infrastructure, preserving heritage, and engaging globally while maintaining Saudi artistic identity. The Commission also supported five artists and a curator in Paris for the fourth 'Intermix Residency POUSH.' Amin dreams of a thriving cultural ecosystem that ensures future artists have access and opportunities for growth.