Saudi Arabia Launches Diriyah Art Futures, a New Media Arts Hub

Saudi Arabia is establishing Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), a new cultural center dedicated to new media art, set to open by the end of 2024. Located in the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, near Riyadh, the 6,500 sqm hub was designed by Rome-based Schiattarella Associati. DAF aims to bring together digital artists, technologists, and scholars, positioning itself as the first new media arts center in the Middle East and North Africa. The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched a call for the Emerging New Media Artists program, a fully funded one-year residency developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France. The program offers access to professional equipment, production budgets, and mentorship from leading digital artists. Applicants must be 35 years or younger, hold a degree, and have experience in digital and new media arts. The deadline is April 29, 2024. Ibrahim Alsanousi, interim CEO of the Museums Commission, emphasized that DAF will amplify the region's voice while addressing global issues. The center will cover disciplines including digital art, interactive installations, AI art, video art, net art, generative art, VR, AR, sound art, data visualization, and animation.