Diriyah Forecast

1. The Saudi Art Scene Has Always Been Rich

“The artists have always been there, and the art scene has always been amazing… it just needed that push and the space to exist and coexist.”

Saudi Arabia’s vibrant contemporary art scene is driven by exceptional emerging and established artists. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) provides visibility and institutional support for the cultural ecosystem to flourish both locally and internationally. Regional artists are provided a platform alongside global peers, elevating Saudi artistic practices on the world stage.

2. The DBF’s In-House Nursery For Working Mothers

The DBF has an in-house nursery for working mothers - an initiative that transforms a workplace challenge into one of the organisation’s greatest strengths, cultivating a sense of family, support, and shared responsibility. Allowing mothers to have their babies on-site is a powerful example of inclusive, human-centred leadership in the cultural sector.

3. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation: A Year-Round Cultural Engine

Unlike traditional biennale institutions, the DBF operates as a dynamic, year-round cultural organisation. Its work spans exhibitions, public programmes, school outreach, capacity building, and deep community engagement. This approach ensures that contemporary art does not remain confined to exhibition periods but instead becomes an accessible and integral part of community life.

4. A Space for Experimentation, Collaboration, and Building Art History

“In Saudi, the ministry is young, and many artists work within it, which creates a rare closeness.”

Working alongside the Ministry of Culture, the DBF has positioned itself as a hub for experimentation through cross-disciplinary performances, the showcasing of significant historical works, and the fostering of dialogue between Saudi, regional, and international artists.

5. A Growing Culture of Public Engagement and Sponsorship

The DBF has contributed to a shift in public engagement with culture, particularly among families, young visitors, and first-time audiences. Corporate sponsorship of cultural initiatives is also gaining traction, signalling the private sector’s growing recognition of the arts as a meaningful and strategic area for investment and partnership.