The Visual Arts Commission released 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 "Bidayaat" project to document the emergence of the Saudi art movement at the beginning of 2026.

The Commission explained in its report the implementation of the "Jusur al-Fann (Art Bridges)" initiative for 2025 and 2026 to develop professional skills and enhance cultural exchange. The first stops of the initiative launched in Scotland, then included Japan and South Korea, before concluding its work in Spain.

Related News Contemporary Art Issues The Visual Arts Commission noted that the capital Riyadh hosted "Riyadh Art Week" under the slogan "On the Horizon" to present local and international exhibitions, and also stated the implementation of the "Zawaya wa Afkar (Angles and Ideas)" program to discuss contemporary art issues in Riyadh, Paris, and Seoul. The Commission mentioned the relaunch of the artistic guidance and mentoring program to support emerging artists, curators, and writers. It also highlighted the organization of the "Sira and Masira" exhibition for artist Saad Al-Obaid at the Culture Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, in collaboration with Misk Art Institute.

On the international level, the report revealed the holding 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 Liqa'" 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 Liqa' - Bush" program in the French capital Paris.

Open Meetings It confirmed holding a series of open meetings to develop talents, along with organizing the third edition of the "Kingdom Photography Award". The award was accompanied by the exhibitions "Hayy Aynak" and "Hine Yamis al-Dhabab" in Jameel District in Jeddah. The award concluded its work by moving the "Hayy Aynak" exhibition to the "Abasia" building in Venice, Italy, to enhance global presence. At the beginning of 2026, the Commission launched its research project "Bidayaat: 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 during the current year to expand its local and international partnerships to consolidate the Kingdom's position in the contemporary art scene.