New Book Examines Saudi Arabia's Art Scene Amid Vision 2030 Investment

Rebecca Anne Proctor and Alia Al-Senussi have authored 'Art in Saudi Arabia: A New Creative Economy?' published by Lund Humphries in association with Sotheby's Institute of Art. The book explores the country's cultural transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to diversify the economy through arts investment. Saudi Arabia has seen numerous public art projects, Desert X exhibitions, and biennials emerge recently. The publication notes that Western criticism of Saudi arts policy often centers on treating art as investment, while similar approaches exist in institutions elsewhere facing budget constraints. Curators like Iwona Blazwick, Phil Tinari, Neville Wakefield, and Uta Meta Bauer are involved in these initiatives. The book includes a comparative analysis with regional competitors Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, suggesting Saudi Arabia focuses more on local artists due to its larger population. However, dissent against the 2030 scheme receives limited representation, with anonymous Art Basel voices criticizing Saudi artists who speak out. The Line, a 170km-long linear city project backed by MBS, draws comparisons to Superstudio's 1972 MoMA exhibition 'Continuous Monument', though presented as a monument to freedom rather than capitalist critique. Priced at £19.99 in hardcover, the book falls short of academic aspirations despite being part of a Sotheby's Institute series.