Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the first institution in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region dedicated to new media arts, has officially opened its doors to the public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Located in the historic and UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, the new institution aims to serve as a global hub for contemporary artistic practices at the intersection of art and technology. With a mission to amplify the voices of Middle Eastern artists and bring diverse perspectives to the emerging field of new media arts, DAF is poised to make a significant impact in the international art scene.

“The opening of Diriyah Art Futures represents a milestone in the evolving narrative of new media arts, as we finally introduce perspectives from the Middle East and North Africa to global conversations in this field,” said Haytham Nawar, the director of DAF. “DAF will serve as an epicenter for critical engagement and innovation, pushing creative boundaries and imagining new futures.”

The launch of DAF is accompanied by a robust program of public events, including the inaugural exhibition titled “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts.” This exhibition, running until February 15, 2025, surveys the evolution of computer-generated art from the 1960s to the present. Featuring over 30 pioneering artists, such as Frieder Nake, Refik Anadol, Vera Molnar, as well as prominent Saudi artists Lulwa Al-Homoud and Muhannad Shono, the exhibition underscores the gallery’s commitment to showcasing both global and regional talent.

Curated by Jérôme Neutres, former director of the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and the visual arts, offering a bold statement about the gallery's vision and its role in the cultural landscape. Alongside the exhibition, DAF has launched several multi-day workshops, such as geometric abstraction taught by Lulwa Al-Homoud and a session on generative AI led by artist Leonel Moura. In addition, DAF is hosting tours of the exhibition and an audiovisual concert by Davide Quayola, with further public conversations and workshops scheduled for the remainder of 2025.

DAF’s opening is also a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation and creative expression, aligned with Vision 2030, the country’s strategic initiative to diversify its economy and strengthen its cultural and technological influence. Mona Khazindar, advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the gallery is part of the kingdom’s efforts to nurture artistic talent and foster new forms of creative expression. “Through global institutions like DAF, we are building a cultural ecosystem that fosters creativity, enriches lives, and empowers the next generation of artists and scholars,” Khazindar said.

The development of Diriyah as a cultural and commercial destination is also tied to Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to revitalize its historical and architectural heritage. The Diriyah Company, a public investment fund, has been instrumental in this process. The DAF’s striking modern facilities, designed by Italian architects Schiattarella Associati, incorporate traditional earth-colored exteriors reminiscent of Diriyah’s historical mud-brick buildings, creating a unique fusion of past and future. The 129,000-square-foot campus includes cutting-edge exhibition areas, studios, digital labs, and an auditorium, positioning DAF as more than just a museum—it is a dynamic forum for innovation and collaboration.

DAF is also committed to supporting emerging talent through its Emerging New Media Artists Program, a yearlong course designed to equip young artists with the skills and resources needed to succeed in new media arts. Developed in partnership with Le Fresnoy, Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the program offers mentorship, workshops, and access to DAF’s state-of-the-art facilities. The first cohort consists of 12 young artists from 11 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Additionally, the Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency will begin in February 2025. Focused on established artists and scholars working in new media and digital art, the residency will support participants in creating works that explore the intersections of ecology, technology, and human civilization, inspired by the landscapes of Diriyah and Saudi Arabia's rapid urban development. Applications for the residency are open through January 20, 2025.

DAF’s opening marks a significant moment for both Saudi Arabia and the global art world. With its commitment to new media arts and its focus on regional practitioners, Diriyah Art Futures is set to become a cornerstone in the global conversation about the future of art and technology.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com