Application deadline: September 1, 2024
Riyadh Art has officially announced the open call for the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025, set to take place from January 15 to February 9, 2025. This prestigious event marks the sixth edition of the annual sculpture symposium, a key project of Riyadh Art that continues to shape the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia’s capital city. Under the theme “From Then to Now,” the symposium will bring together 30 national and international artists to create monumental public sculptures using locally sourced stones, further enriching the public art scene of Riyadh.
Celebrating Local and Global Talent
Launched as part of the Riyadh mega projects by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2019, Riyadh Art continues to prioritize creativity and cultural engagement. The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium is a vital element of this vision, championed by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
The symposium offers a rare opportunity for sculptors to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, creating sustainable and impactful art pieces that will be permanently installed across Riyadh. The focus on both local and international talent ensures a diversity of perspectives, fostering dialogue between different cultural traditions and techniques.
Artist Applications Now Open
Applications for the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025 are open from August 4 to September 1, 2024. Artists with at least five years of experience in sculpting and a history of exhibiting in outdoor spaces and galleries are invited to submit their proposals. Sculptors from around the globe are encouraged to apply, making the symposium a truly international affair. An independent panel of experts and specialists in art and sculpture will review the applications and select the final group of 30 participating artists.
Chosen artists will work with high-quality Saudi-sourced stones, including granite in Royal Gold, Green, and Royal Rose hues, as well as Black Basalt. These materials are traditional to the region, yet the symposium encourages innovative approaches that will redefine their use in contemporary sculpture.
A Collaborative Curatorial Vision
The 2025 symposium will be led by two distinguished curators, Sebastian Montoya and Dr. Manal Alharbi. Sebastian Montoya, who serves as the Senior Public Art Specialist at Qatar Museums, brings extensive international experience and a passion for large-scale public art projects. His curatorial work will guide the international dimension of the symposium, ensuring that the artists’ creations resonate with a global audience.
Dr. Manal Alharbi, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s art world, has made significant contributions through her academic research and expertise in sculpture. Together, Montoya and Alharbi will curate a diverse and dynamic collection of works, ensuring that the event not only highlights exceptional talent but also contributes to Riyadh’s ongoing cultural and educational development.
Public Engagement and Community Involvement
In addition to the live sculpting sessions, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025 will feature a robust public program designed to engage the local community. The symposium will offer workshops, panel discussions, and artist-led activities aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of public art. School and university visits will be arranged to give students a first-hand look at the creative process, while workshops and discussions will bring the public into conversation with the participating artists.
These outreach efforts reflect Riyadh Art’s commitment to making art accessible to all and integrating cultural experiences into everyday life. By actively involving the community, the symposium encourages a deeper connection between the public and the artworks that will eventually become permanent fixtures in the city’s landscape.
A Global Stage for Sculpture
Over its previous five editions, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium has welcomed more than 120 internationally acclaimed sculptors, solidifying its position as a major player in the global sculpture scene. Each year, the event showcases innovative public art while contributing to Riyadh’s growing reputation as a cultural hub. The 2025 edition is expected to build on this legacy, further strengthening the city’s creative economy and enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
The completed sculptures from the symposium will be placed in prominent locations across Riyadh, contributing to the city’s urban aesthetic and cultural identity. This integration of art into public spaces demonstrates the city’s forward-thinking approach to urban development, where creativity is not just encouraged but celebrated.
For sculptors seeking to make their mark on the global stage, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium offers an unparalleled opportunity to create lasting works of art within a supportive and dynamic environment.
