Cortona On The Move Launches First Edition in Saudi Arabia's AlUla

The first edition of CORTONA ON THE MOVE ALULA, titled "Past Forward – Time, Life and Longing," opened in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, running until March 31, 2022. The festival features works by 19 international artists, including Saudi photographers. It is directed by Veronica Nicolardi, co-curated by Arianna Rinaldo and Saudi visual artist-curator Kholood AlBakr. The festival originated in Cortona, Italy, in 2011, promoting contemporary photography and visual communication. Nora AlDabal, Director of Arts and Creative Planning at RCU, stated that photography and AlUla go hand in hand, noting the existing vibrant photography community. The exhibition explores themes of time, life, and longing through works such as "Locked in Beauty" by Paolo Woods and Gabriele Galimberti, "Fellow Creatures" by Aleksi Poutanen, and "Otsuchi Future Memories" by Alejandro Chaskielberg. The program includes guided tours, talks, workshops, screenings, evening events, and six artist residencies directed by Paolo Woods, featuring mentorship and masterclasses. The festival aims to foster cultural exchange and develop artists' skills while enriching visitors and the local community.