How public art is accelerating Riyadh’s cultural renaissance
As part of Saudi’s ambitious Vision 2030, Riyadh is changing, embracing its future as a national cultural hub and international destination. Noor Riyadh, one of the largest, and most ambitious light art festivals in the world, is a considerable part of Riyadh’s cultural shift, and already a mainstay in the city’s culture scene.
The Bright Side of the Desert Moon
Returning for its third edition this winter, Noor Riyadh is a multi-award-winning, must-see event in the city’s cultural calendar. Illuminating the Saudi capital from November 30 to December 16, the citywide phenomenon encompasses large-scale art installations, laser shows, water and building projections – meticulously curated by Lead Curator, Jérôme Sans, and his visionary team including Pedro Alonzo, Alaa Tarabzouni and Fahad bin Naif.
Light art not only illuminates the city landscape but also turns streets into living galleries that captivate residents and visitors alike. This movement – which has borne several festivals around the globe – demonstrates how the convergence of urban planning and creativity can enhance the cultural richness of our cities.
In Lyon, France, the Fête des Lumières has been a longstanding tradition, with the city transformed into a tableau of light. Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, the Light Festival has been illuminating its iconic canals since 2012. In Asia, Hong Kong’s vibrant skyline has served as the canvas for the Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
Noor Riyadh has taken this framework further than its counterparts. Previous years have featured Christopher Bauder’s AXION, an enormous temporary light show created specifically for deserts. Meanwhile, Marc Brickman’s Order of Chaos, which broke the Guinness World Record for the highest number of drones taking part in an art show, stole the show at the 2022 festival.
The 2023 festival will pull inspiration from the theme Bright Side of the Desert Moon, with visitors invited to embark on a journey through a light-filled wonderland. Featuring over 120 artworks from local and international artists, five hubs across the city will each bring something new, immersing attendees in an innovative tapestry of light and color.
Visitors will also have the option of attending tours, talks, family activities and workshops, along with an indoor exhibition that runs until March 2, 2024. The exhibition, “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures” is curated by Neville Wakefield and Maya Al Athel.
A changing Riyadh
As the city readies itself for another celebration of light, it’s evident that the festival is just the beginning of Riyadh’s art renaissance.
Riyadh Art, the overarching project which houses Noor Riyadh, is an initiative that is turning the entire capital into an open-air gallery. Comprising over 1,000 public art projects scattered across the city, it’s part of the 2030 goal to transform the capital into a city which offers the highest standards of liveability.
Unlike its peers, Riyadh has emphasized large-scale installations that invoke a sense of civic pride. From colossal sculptures adorning public squares to thought-provoking installations dotting the skyline, every piece of art moves Saudi closer to its goals.
Tuwaiq Sculpture is an example of this unique approach. An annual gathering of artists from across the globe, each year results in a collection of awe-inspiring sculptures that, as well as being made from the region’s natural resources, further contribute to the city’s urban fabric.
Riyadh Art isn’t just about the works presented, it’s about fulfilling the broader aspirations of Vision 2030 and transforming Riyadh into a beacon of creativity. Supporting everyone from global fabricators and regional art consultancies, down to individual Saudi talent, Riyadh is fast building an art ecosystem, fostering cross-cultural connections at home and abroad.
Pushing art to its limits
Aligning with Saudi’s vision for the future, Riyadh is being propelled onto the global art stage, where it stands proud as a public gallery without walls.
As the city develops its cultural identity, Riyadh Art, and its flagship programme Noor Riyadh, shines a light on the country’s commitment to artistic evolution.
