Diriyah Biennale Foundation: Artistic Directors appointed for 2026
Contemporary Art Biennale
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) has
announced the appointment of Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as the artistic
directors for the upcoming 2026 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale (DCAB), set
to take place in January 2026 in Diriyah, near Riyadh. With their extensive
expertise in curating groundbreaking exhibitions, Razian and Ahmed will lead
this prestigious event, shaping its vision and direction.
A Fusion of Regional and Global Perspectives
Nora Razian, currently the Deputy Director and
Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at Art Jameel (Dubai and Jeddah), brings a
wealth of experience in curating ambitious exhibitions. Her work often delves
into themes such as environmental change, contested histories, and the evolving
role of public art.
Sabih Ahmed, a curator, cultural theorist, and educator, is currently serving as Projects Advisor at the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai. His research-driven curatorial approach connects contemporary art with a broad range of cultural and educational frameworks, particularly across Asia, blending artist collaborations, archives, and pedagogy.
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Together, Razian and Ahmed’s appointment
reflects a strong commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and expanding
Saudi Arabia’s role as a global center for contemporary art.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Art Scene
Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale
Foundation, expressed her excitement about the new leadership, saying:
“We are thrilled to welcome Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed as the artistic
directors of the third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. Their collective
expertise in curating transformative exhibitions, along with their ability to
bridge artistic practices across Eastern and Western Asia, aligns perfectly
with our mission to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global center for
contemporary art.”
A Biennale Rooted in History and Innovation
The 2026 Biennale will take place at the JAX
District in Diriyah, a former industrial site now revitalized into a vibrant
cultural hub, complete with artist studios, galleries, museums, and cultural
institutions. This site is now at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning
contemporary art scene.
Building on the success of the 2022 Biennale, Feeling the Stones (curated by Philip Tinari), and the 2024 edition, After Rain (curated by Ute Meta Bauer), the 2026 Biennale will continue to build its legacy as a platform for dynamic artistic exchange.
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Razian and Ahmed’s curatorial vision promises
to explore how local histories and global narratives converge through
contemporary art. They plan to focus on “world-making through conditions of
vulnerability and resilience,” with an emphasis on diverse artistic interventions,
participatory models, and archival explorations.
A Platform for Dialogue, Imagination, and
Transformation
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is Saudi
Arabia’s premier contemporary art event, drawing over 340,000 visitors in
previous editions. It provides an essential platform for local and
international artists, curators, and art lovers, encouraging dialogue within
the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
With Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed steering the 2026 Biennale, this edition is set to push boundaries, spark critical discussions, and position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global contemporary art world.
Source: The Egyptian Gazette
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