Riyadh Art has officially opened artist submissions for Tuwaiq Sculpture 2027. The eighth edition of its acclaimed international sculpture symposium will take place in January 2027.
The open call for artist submissions closes on November 8. Riyadh Art is seeking proposals from sculptors worldwide who want to participate in a live, on-site creation experience. Twenty artists will be selected to produce original works that will be permanently installed across the city, further expanding Riyadh’s growing public art collection. Artists are invited to apply from Saudi Arabia, and internationally.
Each year the creative event transforms the Kingdom's capital city of Riyadh into a live canvas for artists, designers, and public art enthusiasts alike.
The Theme for 2026: Where Roots Run Deep
Set in Riyadh’s Tahlia district, whose name nods to its desalination heritage, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2027 unfolds under the theme 'Where Roots Run Deep'. The upcoming edition offers a thoughtful exploration of how history, cultural identity, and human experience continuously shape the spirit of a place. Last year's edition celebrated the theme of 'Traces of What Will Be': exploring the transformation of art of both a physical process and a metaphor for urban renewal.
Working with a rich tactile palette of metal, mosaic, cast stone, and regional stone, selected artists will utilize Saudi-sourced granite in striking Royal Gold, Royal Rose, and Green shades.
The Curatorial Team for 2026
Anchored by a visionary curatorial committee, this year's creative symposium unites Saudi artist, curator, and academic Soha Al-Zaid with international curators Aldo Rinaldi and Auronda Scalera, who together bring a mix of global insight and local perspective to the project.
Former editor-in-chief of the Saudi Journal of Arts and Design, Al-Zaid offers an authoritative perspective on regional identity and artistic heritage. Her vision bridges with Rinaldi’s extensive expertise in architectural and multidisciplinary public art, and Scalera’s cutting-edge work across digital culture and major regional platforms like Art Dubai Digital.
Since its inception, Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium has featured more than 170 artists, including 35 works permanently displayed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and recent installations placed throughout the city, helping shape Riyadh as a hub for cultural innovation and public art.
Tuwaiq Sculpture Festival 2027, From January 2027 at Tahlia Street, Riyadh
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