Riyadh Hosts Sixth Edition of Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium With Global Artists

The sixth edition of the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium opened today at "Roshn Front" in the capital Riyadh, under the theme "From Time to Time: The Joy of the Journey in Its Hardships." The symposium runs through February 8, 2025, with 30 artists from 23 countries creating distinctive sculptures using granite and basalt stone sourced from Saudi land, in a step aimed at enriching Riyadh's artistic and cultural scene and reinforcing its standing as a global capital of the arts.

A Journey of Creativity and Challenge
This year's edition highlights the relationship between challenge and artistic creation, as participating artists explore the idea of "the joy of the journey in its hardships." Under the direction of curators Sebastian Betancur Montoya and Dr. Manal Al-Harbi, the symposium spotlights the creative process as artists work on live sculpting, giving visitors a unique chance to watch art take shape.

Accompanying Programs to Boost Community Partnership
The symposium offers a range of community-partnership programs, including:

  • Interactive workshops: aimed at engaging the public in the sculpting experience.
  • Dialogue sessions: with leading experts and artists exploring different aspects of art and sculpture.
  • Educational tours: allowing visitors to learn more about creative arts and the world of sculpture.

An accompanying exhibition will also be held from February 12 to 24, 2025, displaying the completed works before they are distributed across Riyadh's public squares and areas, giving the public a chance to engage with these unique sculptures.

Tuwaiq Symposium Part of the Riyadh Art Program
The Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium is part of the Riyadh Art program, one of the largest public-art programs in the world, which aims to turn the capital Riyadh into an open art gallery. The program supports Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering creativity, enriching the lives of residents and visitors, and making Riyadh a global center for art and culture.

Artists From Around the World
This edition brings together artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds, creating a global collaborative environment reflected in the final sculptures. Through the use of granite and basalt stone, the symposium links the Kingdom's natural heritage with contemporary artistic expression, adding a special cultural and aesthetic dimension to the works.

Riyadh: A Global Arts Destination
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium aims to be a platform for artistic creativity and innovation, bringing together local and international artists to produce works reflecting beauty and challenge, helping cement Riyadh's standing as a leading global destination for arts and culture.