Riyadh, July (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 19 يوليو 2026ء) Throughout the year, the commission’s exhibitions, programs, and public initiatives engaged more than 33,100 visitors. Key initiatives included 'A Life, A Journey,' which highlighted the artistic legacy of pioneering Saudi artist Saad Alobaid, and Art Week Riyadh, which brought together artists, galleries, cultural institutions, and audiences through a diverse program of exhibitions and activities.
The commission also delivered the third edition of the Kingdom Photography Award, accompanied by the exhibitions 'When the Fog Whispers' and 'In a New Light' at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. As part of the commission’s efforts to expand international cultural exchange, 'In a New Light' was later presented at the Abbazia in Venice, introducing international audiences to contemporary Saudi photography.
The commission’s international engagement efforts also included the presentation of Ahmed Mater: Antenna in Shanghai as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, contributing to the promotion of Saudi visual arts within global cultural platforms.
Professional development remained a central component of the commission’s programs, with more than 380 artists, curators, and practitioners participating in its initiatives. These participants were selected from more than 1,920 applications submitted through open calls. Programs including Art Bridges, Art & Ideas, the Mentorship and Guidance Program, the Intermix Residency, and a series of open discussions provided opportunities for learning, knowledge exchange, professional development, and international collaboration.
In addition, the commission delivered more than 160 visual arts activations across the Kingdom, alongside cultural exchange initiatives, artist residencies, and participation in major international exhibitions and events, contributing to the growth and connectivity of the visual arts ecosystem.
Building on these achievements, the commission will continue its efforts throughout 2026 by developing programs and initiatives that support artistic practice, expand opportunities for practitioners, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the presence of Saudi visual arts at regional and international levels, in line with its mandate to develop the visual arts sector and contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 through supporting creative talent, enriching the cultural landscape, and advancing the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for culture and creativity.
