Riyadh Art has announced the preparation of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025—the sixth edition of its annual sculpture event—scheduled to take place from January 15 to February 9, 2025, under the theme “From Then To Now.” This event will bring together a select group of sculptors from Saudi Arabia and around the world to create public art sculptures using stones from the Kingdom, contributing to the cultural art scene of Riyadh.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium is a key project of Riyadh Art, which is part of the Riyadh mega projects launched by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on March 19, 2019. These projects were an initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium aims to embrace both national and international talents, enhancing their impact on the cultural landscape of Riyadh. It provides opportunities for artists to create sustainable creative works that contribute to the development and enrichment of the Saudi capital, improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors, while building the creative economy of the Kingdom
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025 will start accepting artist applications for its sixth edition from August 4 to September 1, 2024. An independent committee of experts and specialists in art and sculpture from various artistic fields will review and evaluate the submissions, selecting the final list of participating artists.
Eligible sculptors from around the world, with at least five years experience in sculpting and exhibiting in outdoor spaces and galleries, are invited to submit their proposals in alignment with the curatorial theme. Selected artists will have the opportunity to work on Saudi-sourced granite stones in three distinct colors—Royal Gold, Green, and Royal Rose—as well as on Black Basalt, encouraging innovative usages of these traditional materials.
A total of 30 local and international artists will be selected to partake in this prestigious symposium, convening in Riyadh for 22 days of live sculpting. The symposium offers an artist fee and covers all associated expenses, including accommodation and return flights for international participants. Once the sculptures are completed, they will be exhibited before being permanently placed across Riyadh, enhancing the city’s urban landscape.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025 will be led by two distinguished curators: Sebastian Montoya, Lead Curator, and Dr. Manal Alharbi, Associate Curator. Sebastian Montoya brings a wealth of international experience and is currently serving as the Senior Public Art Specialist at Qatar Museums, where he develops and curates numerous high-profile public art projects. Dr. Manal Alharbi, a prominent figure in the Saudi art scene, combines her expertise in sculpture and academic research, to enhance the symposium’s cultural and educational impact. Together, they will curate an inspiring and diverse range of artworks, ensuring that the symposium not only showcases exceptional talent, but also contributes to the cultural enrichment of Riyadh.
In parallel with the live sculpting sessions, the symposium will offer a dynamic public community engagement program, actively involving local communities through school and university visits, hands-on workshops, and insightful panel discussions led by experts in art, sculpture, and urbanism. Participating artists will have the chance to share their skills and knowledge, fostering a deeper appreciation for public art by the broader audience.
In its previous five editions, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium has seen the participation of more than 120 internationally renowned sculptors from within the Kingdom and around the world, reflecting its significant role in the global sculpture scene.
For more information on the application process for the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2025, please visit the Riyadh Art program website.