Misk Art Institute, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk,” has launched the 8th edition of Misk Art Week at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. This six-day fair brings together exhibitions, live performances, educational programs, an Art & Design Market, an Art Book Fair, and an Art Fair, offering artists and creatives valuable opportunities to refine their skills and showcase their work.
Since its inception in 2017, Misk Art Week has established itself as a platform for art and community engagement, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic ecosystem. This year’s edition explores the transformative possibilities of emerging technologies and diverse media, creating new opportunities for artists and audiences alike. One of the sections at Misk Art Week that tackles this theme is Digital Civilization. Additionally featured are a group of invited galleries presenting Saudi and international art.
Digital Civilization
The Misk Art Grant 2024 invited artists from the Middle East and North Africa to reflect on contemporary phenomena shaped by modern technology—such as constant connectivity, data analytics, and algorithmic systems. Grant recipients critically examined how these advancements redefine human experiences and reshape engagement with the world.
The exhibition Digital Civilization explores the interplay between ancestral traditions and tech-driven futures, investigating how advanced technologies impact human expression and relationships. It traces cultural transmission’s evolution from oral traditions to digital mediation, illustrating how connectivity continually transforms the ways people relate and connect.
Featuring works by five artists across a range of mediums—from analogue to digital—the exhibition delves into themes of creativity, community, and the shifting relationship between humanity and technology in an age defined by social media and data flow.
Art Fair
This year, the Misk Art Week hosted 11 local galleries from across Saudi Arabia. Below are a selection of the galleries featured:
Athr Gallery
Athr Gallery, established in 2009, is a contemporary art space in Saudi Arabia dedicated to fostering artistic dialogue and innovation. Based in Jeddah, Athr serves as a platform for emerging and established artists from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, showcasing diverse artistic practices and mediums. Through curated exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programs, the gallery cultivates creativity while engaging local and international audiences. Athr is committed to supporting artists’ development and promoting contemporary art as a vital cultural force. By bridging tradition and modernity, it continues to play a pivotal role in the region’s evolving art landscape.
Hafez Gallery
Founded in 2014 by Qaswra Hafez, Hafez Gallery serves as a vital hub for Saudi and Arab artists, championing local talent and regional culture. The gallery regularly showcases exhibitions featuring established artists from across the Arab world—spanning Syria, Egypt, Sudan, and Lebanon—while fostering collaborations with international creatives to broaden exposure. Hafez Gallery’s mission is to elevate Saudi art onto regional and global stages while maintaining its influence within the local community.
Hewar Art Gallery
Established in Riyadh in 2005, Hewar Art Gallery aims to enrich the contemporary art scene in Saudi Arabia. By providing a platform for fine art exhibitions, it supports and inspires artists while fostering meaningful engagement with audiences.
Mono Gallery
Founded in 2017 by art collector Momen Al Muslimani, Mono Gallery focuses on promoting Modern and Contemporary art in Saudi Arabia. Recognised for encouraging creative dialogue, it serves as a platform for local and regional artists to engage with the broader cultural landscape.
Errm Art Gallery
Errm Art Gallery is committed to elevating modern and contemporary Arabian art, fostering appreciation through exhibitions and community engagement. It emphasises the preservation, accessibility, and understanding of art to benefit audiences and support cultural education.
Location: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, Riyadh.
Date: December 5 – 10, 2024.