Diriyah Art Futures launches Mazra’ah media arts residency
Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the first hub in the Middle East and North Africa
dedicated to new media and digital art, has announced the debut of its Mazra’ah
Media Arts Residency. This groundbreaking three-month program, running from
February to April 2025, invites established artists and scholars in new media
and digital art to explore, create, and connect in an immersive and
collaborative environment.
A Residency Like No Other
The residency offers a comprehensive platform for participants to develop
and exhibit their projects, build cross-disciplinary networks, and secure
future opportunities. Located in Diriyah, a heritage city near Riyadh, DAF
represents a creative intersection of art, science, and technology, set against
the backdrop of a historic UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mona Khazindar, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the
significance of the program:
“The Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment
to cultivating its cultural ecosystem while positioning Riyadh as a global hub
for new media and digital art. It is a transformative step in fostering
cultural exchange and innovation within one of our most treasured historic
districts.”
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Blending Tradition with Innovation
Overlooking Diriyah’s historic farms, DAF’s 6,550-square-meter facility is a
masterpiece of contemporary design. Crafted by Italian architectural firm
Schiattarella Associati, the structure incorporates locally sourced stone and
earth, seamlessly merging with the mud-brick architecture of the old city.
Diriyah’s rich history as a political and agricultural center, dating back
to the 15th century, complements the forward-looking vision of DAF. The city,
once the capital of the first Saudi state, is undergoing a revitalization to
become a global destination for heritage, culture, and sustainability.
2025 Residency Theme: "High-Resolution Dreams of Sand"
The residency theme invites participants to explore the interplay between
nature, technology, and humanity, reflecting Diriyah’s dual identity as an
ancient oasis and a hub of modern innovation. The Arabic term “Mazra’ah,”
meaning “farm,” honors the city’s preserved farmlands and archaeological
treasures, offering inspiration for the program.
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Resources for Creation and Connection
Residents will have access to cutting-edge facilities, including:
- New media
studios and specialized labs for VR/AR, fabrication, and recording.
- A lecture
and performance space, library, and media arts archive.
- Fully
equipped living quarters and workspaces.
- A
production budget to support individual projects.
Throughout the residency, participants will receive personalized support,
collaborate with an international network of peers, and showcase their work
through exhibitions and publications.
Tracks for Artists and Scholars
The program offers distinct tracks for artists and scholars:
- Artists: Encouraged to work in sound, visual
media, and computational, biological, or technology-driven methodologies.
- Scholars: Open to writers, academics, and
theorists exploring new media, digital art, and the intersection of
technology and culture.
Applicants must submit a project proposal tied to the residency theme,
detailing the concept, intended outcomes, timeline, budget, and portfolio or
CV. Applications are due by January 20, 2025.
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Global Invitation
The Mazra’ah Residency welcomes participants worldwide, with a focus on
amplifying perspectives from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Global
South.
Dr. Haytham Nawar, Director of DAF, described the program’s ambition:
“This dynamic residency provides a unique opportunity for established
artists and scholars to push the boundaries of creative practice and contribute
to global conversations on new media art through a regional lens. It’s a place
where the impossible becomes possible.”
As part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation, the Mazra’ah Media Arts
Residency promises to redefine the role of new media art in fostering innovation,
collaboration, and sustainability.
Source: https://www.artnews.com/
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