ABOUT THE DIRIYAH
BIENNALE FOUNDATION
Inspired by the changes taking place in Saudi Arabia and the heritage site of Diriyah, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation assumes a critical role in nurturing creative expression and instilling an appreciation for culture and the arts and their transformative potential. The Foundation aspires to be a catalyst for lifelong learning and serves Saudi Arabia’s communities by offering opportunities to engage with the burgeoning local art scene. At this historical moment of evolution and growth in Saudi Arabia, these Biennales will showcase some of the world’s leading artists, drive cultural exchange between the Kingdom and international communities, promote dialogue and understanding, and further establish Saudi Arabia as an important cultural center.
ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE -
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
The Ministry of Culture is leading a cultural transformation to develop a rich ecosystem that nurtures creativity, unlocks the economic potential of the sector, and unleashes new and inspiring forms of expression. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Culture is seeking to bolster the presence of Saudi heritage and culture at events across the Kingdom and abroad, enabling participants to engage with the Kingdom’s rich and diverse history and preserving Saudi heritage for generations to come.
For the latest updates from the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, visit biennale.org.sa
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Our Venues
Riyadh - Diriyah
Located in JAX District in Diriyah, a town adjacent to the capital city of Riyadh and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation resides within a 120,000 sqm industrial district overlooking Wadi Hanifa. Our site, designed by Bricklab, the architecture and artist duo, celebrates the industrial history of the location drawing people in and connecting it across the JAX site- a permanent location that aims to support and promote the local ecosystem, and creative industry.
Jeddah
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1981 and recipient of the 1983 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the prestigious Hajj Terminal is now home to the world’s first Islamic Arts Biennale. The Biennale is poised to further enrich the Hajj Terminal’s functional and spiritual relevance, transforming it into a hub for celebrating Islamic arts and culture, and fostering Jeddah’s local arts ecosystem throughout the year. This landmark artistic event sprawls over a purpose-built 70,000m2 venue, complete with a theatre, exhibition spaces, workshops, classrooms, as well as retail and dining spaces.