The Theater and Performing Arts Commission is presenting live Saudi performing arts as part of the "Beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement" exhibition at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh, organized by the Visual Arts Commission from 26 March to 11 April 2026.

Performances That Enrich the Visitor Experience

The performances take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays within the exhibition's accompanying cultural program. The commission presents a set of Saudi performing arts in live shows that enrich the visitor experience inside the museum by connecting the performing arts with the contemporary artistic and cultural scene.

The participation is part of the commission's efforts to strengthen the presence of the performing arts in cultural events and support local artistic practice through live content reflecting the diversity and richness of the Kingdom's performance heritage.

Four Folk Art Forms

The performances feature four Saudi performing arts:

  • The Saudi Ardah
  • The Samer
  • The Khatwa
  • The Khubaiti

These arts are presented in varied segments throughout the day to highlight the richness of the Kingdom's performing arts and give visitors a chance to discover their different styles within a complete cultural experience.

Spotlighting the Beginnings of Modern Art

"Beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement" is one of the leading cultural projects spotlighting the founding stages of modern art in the Kingdom, with more than 250 works by the pioneers of the Saudi art movement from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The exhibition offers a historical reading of the development of the Kingdom's art movement through artworks and documents that record that important stage in the history of Saudi art.