Diriyah Art Futures Opens Call for 2026/27 New Media Residency

The Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the region's inaugural institution for new media art, is set to commence its third residency cycle for the Emerging New Media Artists Program in October 2026. Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, DAF serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration among art, science, and technology. This year-long initiative, created in partnership with France's Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains, provides emerging artists with professional resources, a production budget, and a multidisciplinary educational experience. The initial three months will involve thematic seminars and workshops addressing the effects of digital technology on socio-cultural issues, while the subsequent six months will offer tailored mentorship and access to advanced DAF labs. The program concludes with a curated exhibition at DAF in October 2027. Open to applicants globally, particularly from the Middle East and North Africa, candidates must be 35 or younger and at the graduate or postgraduate level with experience in new media and digital art. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.