Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026: International Art Events in the Heart of Riyadh
In a move that reinforces the Saudi capital's position as a global cultural destination, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026 a wide array of cultural and artistic events, under the auspices of the Riyadh Art Program of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. These events will continue until February 22, 2026, taking place at the symposium's location on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Al-Tahlia) as a stage for creativity and artistic dialogue.
Cultural context and ambitious artistic vision
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium is not merely a fleeting artistic event, but a cornerstone of the Riyadh Art Project, one of four major initiatives launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz – may God protect him – with the aim of transforming Riyadh into an open-air art gallery that blends tradition and modernity. This edition is particularly significant as it directly contributes to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 related to improving quality of life, strengthening the creative economy, and creating an inspiring urban environment for residents and visitors alike.
Various events under the theme "Features of what will be"
This year's edition is held under the theme "Features of What Will Be," a profound concept that explores sculpture as a tool for transformation and for observing the physical and cultural changes that shape the identity of cities over time. This vision is translated through:
- Live Sculpture: It takes place daily from 10 am to 5 pm, where the public can watch artists transform inanimate blocks into works of art that come alive.
- Intellectual Dialogues: Discussion sessions exploring the relationship of sculpture to public space, and its role in shaping collective memory, with the participation of a select group of artists and specialists.
- Evening Experiences: Events that run until 10 pm (except Sunday), featuring light and music displays that add a new dimension to the sculptures.
Strategic partnerships and community programs
Believing in the importance of collaborative work, the program features broad participation from knowledge and cultural partners, such as the Apple Developers Academy, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wirth), and the House of Culture. These partnerships aim to provide practical workshops and advanced courses that allow participants to learn about sculpting techniques and sustainability concepts.
Ramadan atmosphere and lasting impact
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the forum will take on a special character with a revised evening schedule that reflects the spirituality of the month. This will include a Ramadan bazaar, a market for local foods and handicrafts, and interactive storytelling sessions. The events are scheduled to culminate in a public exhibition from February 9 to 22, 2026, where the completed works will be added to Riyadh's permanent art collection, becoming an integral part of the capital's urban landscape and commemorating this international art gathering.
It is worth noting that attendance at the events is free for the public, with the requirement to pre-register for workshops and dialogues via electronic platforms to ensure an ideal experience for everyone.
