Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), a pioneering hub in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated to new media and digital art, has announced the details of its highly anticipated inaugural Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency. Spanning three months from February through April 2025, this immersive program offers a unique opportunity for artists and scholars in these fields to thrive and showcase their work.

Saudi Arabia's Cultural Commitment

As stated by Mona Khazindar, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture, "The Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the country’s cultural ecosystem, and transforming Riyadh into a global hub for new media and digital art." This initiative is laying the foundation for the Kingdom to become a hub of cultural exchange, pioneering new forms of expression in one of its most cherished historic districts.

Location and Facilities

Located in the heritage city of Diriyah neighboring Riyadh, DAF was developed by the Saudi Museums Commission. Its 6,550-square-metre state-of-the-art school, laboratory, and exhibition space was designed by Italian architectural firm Schiattarella Associati and is constructed with locally sourced stone and earth to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape. Overlooking the historic Diriyah farms, it serves as a creative bridge between the past and the present.

Urban Revitalization and Heritage

Diriyah, with a history dating back to the 15th century and once the capital of the first Saudi state in 1727, has undergone a remarkable urban revitalization. After being overtaken by the Ottoman Empire in 1818 and later abandoned, residents began returning in the mid-20th century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, it has become a tourist hotbed with historical landmarks, new museums, and commercial attractions. DAF is an integral part of this revitalization, breathing new life into the city.

Artistic Mission and Residency Details

The Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency provides a dedicated retreat for artists and scholars. Participants have access to state-of-the-art new media studios, comfortable living quarters, workspaces, and specialised labs. The residency also includes a lecture and performance space, a library, and a new media arts archive, along with a production budget to support their work. Throughout the program, residents receive tailored support and connect with a network of fellow artists and scholars. Work produced during the residency will be showcased in exhibitions and scholarly publications, with DAF's partnerships facilitating ongoing creative and academic exploration.

Diverse Tracks and Application Process

The residency follows distinct paths for artists and scholars. Artists working in various media and using technological methodologies are encouraged to apply, as are writers, academics, and theorists in new media and digital art. Applicants should submit a proposal for a specific project related to the "High-Resolution Dreams of Sand" theme, detailing the conceptual framework, intended outcome, production timeline, and budget. Applications are due on Jan. 20, 2025.

Global Participation and Impact

Artists and scholars from around the world are welcome to apply, with a particular emphasis on those from the Middle East, North Africa, and the global south. Dr. Haytham Nawar, Director at DAF, emphasizes that this dynamic residency offers an unparalleled opportunity for established artists and scholars to develop new creative practices and contribute to global scholarly discussions. It is a place where the impossible comes to life.Interested parties can learn more about the residency and apply at daf.moc.gov.sa/en/. For more updates, follow Diriyah Art Futures on X (@DAFmoc) and Instagram @DAFmoc.