The Visual Arts Commission issued its annual report for 2025, revealing the implementation of a package of local and international programs to develop the sector, coinciding with the launch of the "Bidayat" project to document the origins of the Saudi art movement in early 2026.

The Commission explained in its report the implementation of the "Jusour Al-Fann" initiative for 2025 and 2026 to develop professional skills and enhance cultural exchange. The first leg of the initiative began in Scotland, then included Japan and South Korea, before concluding in Spain.

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Contemporary Art Issues

The Visual Arts Commission noted that the capital Riyadh hosted "Riyadh Art Week" under the theme "On the Horizon" presenting local and international exhibitions. It also stated the implementation of the "Zawaya and Ideas" program to discuss contemporary art issues in Riyadh, Paris, and Seoul. The Commission mentioned the relaunch of the art mentorship and guidance program to support emerging artists, curators, and writers. It highlighted the organization of the exhibition "Sirah and Masirah" for artist Saad Al-Obaid at the Culture Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, in collaboration with Misk Art Institute.

Guided Tours

On the international front, the report revealed the organization of an exhibition showcasing the artistic career of artist Ahmed Mater in Shanghai as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year. The exhibition lasted three months, displaying 108 artworks across multiple media, along with workshops and guided tours. The Commission added that it continued to develop the "Iqamat Al-Taqaa" program in JAX District in Diriyah to provide spaces for artistic production and research, and these residencies extended to the international arena through the "Iqamat Al-Taqaa - Bush" program in the French capital Paris.

Open Meetings

It confirmed holding a series of open meetings for talent development, along with organizing the third edition of the "Kingdom Photography Award." The award was accompanied by the exhibitions "Hayy Aynak" and "When Fog Whispers" in Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. The award concluded its activities by moving the "Hayy Aynak" exhibition to the "Abazia" building in Venice, Italy, to enhance global presence. At the beginning of 2026, the Commission launched its research project "Bidayat: Beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement" through an exhibition at the National Museum in Riyadh. The exhibition paves the way for a cultural initiative documenting the emergence of the art movement in the Kingdom from the 1960s to the 1980s. The Commission is heading this year to expand its local and international partnerships to solidify the Kingdom's position in the contemporary art scene.