The second edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is just days away

Announced in September and scheduled to span three months, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will return for a second edition this month.

Set to showcase and celebrate artwork and creative projects under the theme of 'After the Rain', the sprawling art exhibition will encompass an incredible array of freshly commissioned art and architectural structures, alongside existing artworks and research projects.

The After the Rain theme will aim to celebrate the transformation of the land, the region and the natural environment after a deluge, symbolising a new beginnings and our connection with the earth as humans. The inaugural, modern art showcase took place in 2022 and worked to the theme of 'Feeling the Stones'.

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As part of Diriyah Season (which kicked off in December 2023) this year's edition of the biennale will be just the second edition of the annual artistic exhibit. And, according to the website, this year's edition of the biennale aims to allow the art on display be "... a catalyst for transformation, exploration, and meaningful dialogue".

Beginning on February 20 and running for three months through to May 24, visitors will be able to experience the curated art pieces in 6 different galleries, and multiple displays in outside and open areas throughout the JAX District. There will also be an additional showcase in an off-site location.

This year's showcase will feature a lineup of 92 diverse and interesting artists representing 43 different nations, with 30 of these creatives hailing from the Gulf region.

Visitors and art appreciators will not only get to peruse the array of art works, but guests will also be able to attend a number of hands-on, creative workshops and talks with artists and curators.

Additionally, it is expected that a vibrant program of live performances, concerts, films and poetry readings will also take place throughout the three month celebration.

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 The biennale will be curated, developed and showcased under the leadership of Ute Meta Bauer, as the artistic director. Unveiled in August 2023, the curation team is comprised of various artists and curation experts including Wejdan Reda, Rahul Gudipudi, Rose Lejeune and Anca Rujoiu. The curatorial team will also work with Ana Salazar, Amina Diab, Dian Arumningtyas and Alanood AlSudairi.

The team for this year is poised to create an innovative and immersive art encounter, combining elements of contemporary art, performance, sound, research, and digital art for a truly distinctive experience.

From February 20 to May 24, 2024
JAX District, Diriyah, Riyadh
@biennale_sa
biennale.org.sa