AlUla Design Residency 2026 to connect international artists with Saudi ancient heritage
The AlUla Design Residency has
returned for its second edition, uniting international creatives with Saudi
Arabia’s ancient heritage. The program will culminate in a public exhibition
during the AlUla Arts Festival in January 2026.
Launched in 2024 alongside Design
Space AlUla in the AlJadidah Arts District, this year’s residency carries the
theme “Designing Within”, curated by Dominique Petit-Frere, co-founder of
Ghana-based spatial design and research practice Limbo Accra.
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The five selected designers—Saudi
artist and architect Aseel Alamoudi, Tunisian craft duo Altin, Ivorian designer
Paul Ledron, Brussels-based Ori Orisun Merhav, and Dutch studio Studio Thus
That—will explore the intersection of natural landscapes, cultural heritage,
and contemporary design. Their work draws from local crafts and traditions,
transforming them into innovative, globally relevant creations.
“This program is built on a guiding
principle: creating from the ground up—place,” said Arnaud Morand, co-director
of the residency and Head of Art and Creative Industries at AFALULA. “It’s
about blending grassroots philosophy with AlUla’s identity, marrying
traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and aligning with the 2025 ‘Year
of Saudi Craft.’”
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The residency fosters collaboration
between international designers, regional experts, and the local community,
reinforcing AlUla’s role as a cultural crossroads.
Exhibition Details
📅 Date: January 15, 2026
📍 Location: Madrasat Addeera, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Source: https://www.al-monitor.com/
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