The Bulletin bringing you the latest highlights in the art world

June 2025

Efie Gallery Launches Summer Film Fridays with Curated Screenings

Efie Gallery kicks off its inaugural SUMMER FRIDAY FILM series, screening every Friday from 13 June to 25 July in the Rekord gallery from 7pm onwards. Curated by Ose Ekore to accompany the exhibition time heals, just not quick enough…, the programme brings together contemporary African cinema, diasporic narratives, and cult classics.

Sharjah Art Foundation Launches PARA: A New Fellowship for Art Writers in Asia and Africa

Sharjah Art Foundation, alongside Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, Asia Art Archive and Contemporary And (C&), announces the launch of PARA, a new fellowship supporting emerging and mid-career art writers across Asia and Africa. Open to cultural practitioners working in or from these regions, PARA offers five fellows mentorship, publication, and a fully funded research week in Sharjah. The programme centres non-Western modes of art criticism, encouraging proximity and divergence in writing. Applications are now open for those ready to expand, unsettle, and deepen the field of contemporary art discourse. More information can be found here.

Archaeological Treasures from Gaza on View at the IMA

The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris presents a major exhibition on Gaza’s endangered archaeological heritage. Featuring 130 exceptional works from a larger collection safeguarded at Geneva’s Museum of Art and History since 2007, the show offers rare insight into Gaza’s rich and continuous history, from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman period. Excavated by Franco-Palestinian teams and including the Abu Baraqeh mosaic and objects from Jawdat Khoudary’s private collection, the exhibition highlights the region’s cultural resilience. A dedicated section addresses the destruction of heritage in war, mapping the damage to Gaza’s sites and reflecting on preservation amid ongoing violence.

The 2024 Boghossian Laureates at Villa Empain, Brussels

From 19 June to 17 August 2025, the Boghossian Foundation honours its International Prize laureates with an Exhibition at Villa Empain in Brussels, showcasing their work. Artists featured include Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler (Visual Arts Prize), Kim Mupangilaï (Design and Crafts Prize), and Joy Harvey (Jewellery Prize). This exhibition brings together diverse practices that explore artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, and material experimentation. With works installed in the garden and historic interiors of the Villa, the show highlights how each artist contributes to intercultural understanding. As part of its mission to foster dialogue between East and West, the Foundation honours artistic approaches that merge innovation with tradition across disciplines.

Jameel Arts Centre Announces its Summer Cinema Programme 

In collaboration with The Culturist Film Club, Jameel Arts Centre invites audiences to four film evenings from 21 June to 2 August, curated by Hind Mezaina. The programme brings together shorts, archival reflections, and a tribute to David Lynch, exploring themes of cities, memory, and solitude. Screening are free and open to all and will be followed by an informal discussion with filmmakers, artists, and guests.

Schedule:
21 June – Cities, Cinema, and People
5 July – In Memory of David Lynch
19 July – Rematerialising the Archive
2 August – Home, Longing, and Solitude

V&A Museum, UK Acquires Six Works from Aya Haidar’s Safe Space Series

Aya Haidar’s Safe Space series has been acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and is now part of its permanent collection.

Comprising hand-stitched embroidery hoops, the works respond to the 2020 Beirut explosion and are rooted in conversations between the artist and her mother, revealing intergenerational memories shaped by war. Drawing from recovered CCTV footage and personal histories of Lebanon’s civil war, the series reflects on trauma, absurdity, and survival. Through thread and fabric, Haidar renders intimate acts of remembrance and resilience into quietly powerful objects.

Rare Gandhi Portrait by Clare Leighton Leads Bonhams Sale

Bonhams will present a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi by British artist Clare Leighton in its Travel and Exploration sale, running online from 7–15 July 2025. Estimated at £50,000–70,000, the work is thought to be the only oil painting Gandhi ever sat for.

Painted during his 1931 visit to London, the portrait remained in Leighton’s family collection and has never been offered at auction. Known primarily for her wood engravings, Leighton was granted rare access to Gandhi over multiple sittings, producing a striking image of political presence and quiet humanity.

Children Reimagine Architecture at Alserkal Art Cluster

Alserkal Art Cluster will host a three-day architectural exhibition created entirely by children aged 6 to 16, running from 8 to 10 June 2025. Organised by Studio B.A.S Dubai (Beyond Architecture Studio), the exhibition presents a year’s worth of creative work exploring architecture through the lenses of memory, materiality, and imagination.

Curated by Sofia Tkach and produced by Nataliya Melnikova, the show transforms the gallery into an interactive space where models, installations, and drawings reflect how young minds engage with form, function, and feeling. Everyday materials—cardboard, toys, packaging—are reimagined as architectural tools, inviting viewers to reflect on sustainability and storytelling in design.

Reflecting UAE’s multicultural context, the exhibition highlights how diverse perspectives shape spatial thinking from a young age. Designed for both children and adults, the show offers a rare glimpse into how architecture can be felt, questioned, and redefined through play and practice.

Works on Paper: Taymour Grahne Projects Holds Online Group Exhibition

Taymour Grahne Projects presents Works on Paper, an online group exhibition, from 4 June – 9 July 2025, featuring artists the gallery has worked with over time. Centred on paper as medium and method, the show explores memory, identity, and place through intimate and layered works.

Artists including Maia Cruz Palileo, Tidawhitney Lek, Samira Abbassy, and others engage with personal and cultural narratives—some drawing from diaspora and migration, others from interior spaces, nature, and myth. Through drawing, collage, gouache, and oil, each work speaks to the quiet complexity of paper as a site for storytelling, reflection, and imagined worlds.

May 2025

Marina Tabassum Unveils the 25th Serpentine Pavilion

Opening on 6 June 2025, the Serpentine Pavilion, A Capsule in Time, is designed by Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects. Based in Bangladesh, Tabassum brings a practice grounded in place, context, and material. Supported by Goldman Sachs for the eleventh consecutive year, this edition marks the 25th commission of the Pavilion and continues the spirit of experimentation initiated by Zaha Hadid. The design features four wooden capsule forms with translucent façades that filter and dapple light. Inspired by garden canopies and traditions of park-going, it includes a central court and a kinetic element that allows the structure to shift and transform over time.

Sharjah Art Foundation Launches 2025 Open Calls for Film, Publishing, and Comics Grants

Sharjah Art Foundation has opened submissions for three annual grant programmes supporting film, publishing, and comics. The Sharjah Film Platform 8 Short Film Production Grant offers 120,000 AED to independent filmmakers globally for short films (under 50 minutes), with winners premiering at a future edition of the festival. Applications close on 19 June 2025. The Publishing Grant 2025–2026 supports innovative editorial projects by underrepresented cultural workers, offering up to 15,000 USD per project. Deadline: 17 August 2025. For illustrators and comic artists, Corniche 7 invites six-page comic pitches by 30 June 2025. Selected artists will attend a creative exchange and be published in the 2025 Corniche anthology, launched at Focal Point in December.

Sirry’s 1951 Piece Breaks Auction Record for Female Egyptian Artist

Gazbia Sirry sets a new auction record for a female Egyptian artist with the sale of A Woman with Water Pots (1951) at Bonhams London on 21 May. The painting, first exhibited at her landmark solo show at Cairo’s Museum of Modern Art, sold for £216,300 — the highest price ever achieved for a work by a female Egyptian artist.

Doha to Host New Art Basel Fair in 2026

Art Basel, in partnership with MCH Group, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), and QC+, will launch Art Basel Qatar in February 2026. Set to take place at M7 and the Doha Design District in Msheireb, the fair will present a curated selection of modern and contemporary galleries, with a focus on artistic voices from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond.

More than a traditional art fair, Art Basel Qatar is envisioned as a year-round platform that weaves into the country’s wider cultural landscape—through public programming, collector engagement, and regional collaboration.

The initiative aligns with Qatar’s ongoing cultural ambitions, which include the development of new museums, a permanent pavilion in Venice, and creative institutions across film, design, and heritage. As the nation continues to shape its position in global cultural exchange, Art Basel Qatar offers a new space for artistic dialogue—rooted in place, yet open to the world.

Art Dubai Announces its 20th Edition Dates

Art Dubai returns to Madinat Jumeirah from 17 to 19 April 2026, with preview days on 15 and 16 April, for its milestone 20th edition. Following the success of its 2025 edition, which welcomed over 35,000 visitors and 120 presentations from more than 35 countries, the fair reaffirms its role as a leading global platform for art from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. The 2026 anniversary edition will celebrate two decades of artistic dialogue, presenting new voices, bold ideas, and a vibrant programme that reflects the past while envisioning the future.

Em Sherif Art Foundation Showcases Lebanese Talent Worldwide

Em Sherif has launched the Em Sherif Art Foundation, a new non-profit platform spotlighting Lebanese artists around the world. Co-founded by Mireille Hayek and Dani Chakour, and curated by Sherif Hayek, the initiative integrates art into Em Sherif’s global restaurants through dedicated programming. Each location now features three menus: food, drinks, and art—inviting guests to engage with Lebanese creativity as part of their dining experience.

The foundation’s first international activation opened in February 2025 at Em Sherif Café in Paris, with a presentation by photographer Ziad Antar, bringing Lebanese art into global conversation in a new and intimate way.

Nabil Nahas to represent Lebanon at the Venice Biennale

Artist Nabil Nahas, will represent Lebanon at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from 9 May to 22 November 2026. The pavilion will be curated by Nada Ghandour and organised in collaboration with the Lebanese Visual Art Association (LVAA), a Paris-based non-profit organisation.

Born in Beirut in 1949, Nahas moved to the United States in 1969 and holds an MFA from Yale University. He currently lives and works between Beirut and New York. His work, which draws on nature, geometry and cosmic forms, is held in major museum collections including Tate Modern, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, and Mathaf.

The Lebanese Pavilion will be located in the Arsenale, one of the Biennale’s main exhibition venues. The selection committee includes Nada Ghandour, Maria Sukkar, Basel Dalloul and Elie Khouri.

 

Asaan Heritage Museum Breaks Ground in Diriyah on International Museum Day

Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum, marks a new chapter with the launch of its construction in the heart of historic Diriyah. Held on International Museum Day, the groundbreaking ceremony gathered representatives from Misk, Diriyah Company, and Zaha Hadid Architects. Set to become a cultural beacon, Asaan will honour Saudi heritage while embracing contemporary creativity. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s vision to preserve identity, inspire future generations, and share its story with the world.

ICOM Dubai 2025 Launches MEASA Grant Programme

In a landmark first, ICOM Dubai 2025 — the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums — announces the launch of its Participation Grant Programme, opening new pathways for voices across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With 140 grants available, this initiative invites museum professionals, students, and cultural practitioners to gather — in person or online — under the guiding theme: The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities. In the spirit of safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth, and embracing new technologies, the programme echoes a deep commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and regional representation. This November, these grants will amplify perspectives often unheard, shaping the future of museums with vision and vitality. Applications close 31 May 2025. To submit visit this link.

Season 2 of Biennial Bytes takes off

The second season of Biennial Bytes, the official podcast of Sharjah Biennial, is now streaming. Produced by Sharjah Art Foundation, the season offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sharjah Biennial 16: to carry, which opened on 6 February 2025. The first episode features a conversation between the five curators—Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala and Zeynep Öz—moderated by Hoor Al Qasimi. Upcoming episodes highlight SB16 artists such as Bint Mbareh, Joe Namy, and Yhonnie Scarce, diving into themes of resistance, memory, and collaboration. New episodes drop every Monday across major platforms. The Biennial runs until 15 June in different venues in Sharjah City, Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, among others. Episodes are released every Monday on Apple, Spotify, Anghami, Google and other podcast platforms.

Sharjah Museums Celebrated International Museum Day with Citywide Events

To mark International Museum Day, Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) offered free entry to all its museums on Sunday, 18 May. The celebration ran from 15 to 22 May, with a series of interactive programmes across the emirate. Hands-on workshops, sensory installations, storytelling sessions, and a focus group on innovation explored the evolving role of museums in society. Under this year’s theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies, the programme addressed how museums are adapting to cultural and digital shifts. From 18 to 20 May, several of Sharjah’s landmark buildings were illuminated, turning the city into a luminous expression of heritage, creativity, and shared identity.

Qatar Museums to Take Part in ICAHM 2025 in Chile

Qatar Museums to join the ICAHM 2025 Conference in Chile from 8 to 16 May as part of the Qatar-Chile 2025 Year of Culture. Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection, will deliver a keynote address and represent QM at both the opening and closing ceremonies, focusing on Qatar’s approach to heritage preservation and the value of Years of Culture in fostering international collaboration. Later this year, QM will co-host a five-day capacity-building workshop at a World Heritage Site in Chile, offering hands-on training for heritage professionals from across the country. The sessions will explore community-led approaches to managing cultural and natural heritage, with a focus on future development, climate challenges, and emergency planning.

Gazbia Sirry’s £200,000 Masterpiece to Lead Bonhams Middle Eastern Art Sale

A rare early painting by Egyptian artist Gazbia Sirry (1925–2021) will lead Bonhams’ Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art sale on 21 May at New Bond Street, London. A Woman with Water Pots (1951), exhibited at Sirry’s first solo show at Cairo’s Museum of Modern Art, is the earliest work by the artist to come to auction and carries an estimate of £170,000–200,000. Born in Cairo, Sirry’s early practice centred on powerful depictions of women and responded to the shifting social and political conditions of her time. Her work is held in major public collections globally and has been widely exhibited, including at the Venice Biennale in 1952, 1956, 1958 and 1984.

Tashkeel Launches Summer Camp Programme 2025

Tashkeel’s Summer Camp 2025 began this May with a varied line-up of hands-on workshops led by resident artists including Bassem Boules, Shiena Fenol, Yanick Mua, and Chafa Ghaddar. Held at Tashkeel’s Makerspace in Alserkal Avenue and Al Safa Art and Design Library, the programme invites children, youth and adults to explore creative disciplines such as linocut, fresco, resin, and cyanotype. Combining traditional and experimental techniques, the workshops are designed to support both individual practice and group engagement.

 

 

Fourth edition of Tasmeem now open for submissions

ICD Brookfield Place announces the open call for submissions to the fourth edition of Tasmeem, its annual graphic design and poster exhibition, set to take place in Dubai in June 2025. This year’s theme, Graphic Dissent, has been developed by Lebanese graphic designer and printmaker Farah Fayyad. The theme considers how visual language can disrupt, mobilise, and communicate across movements and moments.
Designers, students, and visual practitioners across the region are invited to submit work addressing environmental, political, social, or cultural concerns by 23 May 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by a regional jury including Dr Huda AbiFares, Hala Al-Ani, Marina Nader Asham, Rana Beiruti, and Hey Porter! / Tawfiq Dawi.

To submit, visit this form.

“Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures,” FROMM.Lab’s first international design competition

FROMM.Lab, the cultural and educational platform of design brand FROMM., announces its first international competition, Design for a Changing World: Bridging Cultures. Open to designers under 35, the initiative invites proposals in four categories — seating, tables, storage, and lighting — with a focus on reinterpreting Arab heritage through contemporary design practice. The competition encourages young practitioners to think of design as a bridge between cultures and as a reflection of a rapidly changing world.

Spearheaded by FROMM. founder Alia Rachid, the competition adopts a mentorship model, pairing selected finalists with leading international figures including Giulio Cappellini, Joseph Grima, Aline Asmar d’Amman, Fahad Al Obaidly, and Luca Fois. Finalist designs will be prototyped in collaboration with FROMM. and presented at the Design Doha Biennale in April 2026.

To register, visit this website before 30 May 2025.

Abu Dhabi Art 2025 selects Artist Shaikha Al Mazrou as the Visual Campaign Artist

Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou has been appointed as the Visual Campaign Artist for The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, taking place from 19 to 23 November. In this capacity, Al Mazrou will be shaping the fair’s visual identity. Al Mazrou, represented by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, previously participated as a Beyond Emerging Artist in 2017 edition of Abu Dhabi Art. Her work, influenced by minimalism and conceptual art, incorporates mass-produced materials such as electronic waste and construction materials. Her geometric abstract sculptures examine space, tension, and physicality, drawing inspiration from Modernist and Bauhaus artists.

 

Asaan and Art Heritage enter into a 30-year agreement

Asaan, a new museum dedicated to Saudi heritage, has signed a 30-year agreement with Art of Heritage, an independent non-profit affiliated with AlNahda Society. The partnership will bring more than 57,000 ethnographic items into Asaan’s care, including jewelry, garments, tools, books, photographs, manuscripts, and rare artifacts reflecting everyday life across Saudi Arabia. These objects will be digitized before display and integrated into the museum’s public programming, educational initiatives, and artisanal product development. The agreement supports Asaan’s long-term mission to showcase and interpret cultural traditions from all regions of the Kingdom. The collection will serve as a core component of the museum’s exhibitions, offering visitors an in-depth look at both tangible and intangible heritage. Art of Heritage, founded over 30 years ago to preserve traditional crafts and support local artisans, will continue its work through this new collaboration as Asaan prepares to open its permanent site in the coming years.

Peter Harrington Presents Rare Arabic Printing at ADIBF 2025

Peter Harrington, a leading rare book dealer, returned to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2025 with a focused presentation of early Arabic printing. The display included ten rare works produced between the late 18th and early 19th centuries by two foundational presses: the French-established Imprimerie orientale et française (later Imprimerie nationale du Caire) and Egypt’s Bulaq Press, founded by Muhammad Ali Pasha. These books trace how Napoleon’s 1798 military campaign introduced printing technology to Egypt, shaping the region’s publishing future. Highlights include a rare 1799 pamphlet printed during Napoleon’s Syrian campaign, an 1835 Bulaq edition of One Thousand and One Nights—the first complete Arabic edition—and early Arabic grammars, Qur’anic texts, and a French-Arabic vocabulary. These works illustrate a pivotal shift from manuscript to print culture in the Arab world, marking the beginning of a broader literary and intellectual transformation across the region.

Ishara Art Foundation appoints a new director – Sasha Altaf

Sasha Altaf has been appointed as the new Director of the Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai. With over 20 years of curatorial experience, she has focused on shaping the discourse around feminism in contemporary Indian visual arts. Before joining Ishara, Altaf was the lead curator at Volte Art Projects Dubai, Director of Talwar Gallery, and an adjunct professor at the University of Miami. Her exhibitions include Rashid Rana: It Lies Beyond (2024) and Temporal Twists (2023) in Dubai, among others. Altaf is also the author of ALTAF: The Journals (1963-1973) and contributes regularly to art publications.

Mena Casa opens in Downtown Beirut

Located in Beirut’s Downtown area, Mena Casa opened a 1100-square-meter showroom featuring a selection of European furniture and accessory brands. Designed by architect Matteo Nunziati, the two-level space includes over 15 names such as Longhi, Turri, Moooi, and Exteta, covering indoor and outdoor living. With a focus on craftsmanship and functional design, Mena Casa presents a curated range that balances well-known and niche labels. The team provides a tailored approach to each project, aiming to reflect individual preferences. Emphasising natural materials and thoughtful layouts, Mena Casa supports design that is both practical and considered.

Farah Al Qasimi awarded the 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship

Artist Farah Al Qasimi has been selected for the 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship amongst a pool of nearly 3,500 applicants. The artist will be joining a group of 198 distinguished individuals working across 53 disciplines, marking the 100th class of fellows of the foundation. Al Qasimi’s work is known for its exploration of postcolonial life in the Gulf Arab states through photography, film, and music. She also investigates the emotional and informational hierarchies of the internet.

Al Qasimi is drawn to the layered storytelling and moral frameworks found in children’s cartoons, often reflecting this in her video works through main characters that combine human traits with non-human animal subjects.

 

The 11th Saudi Film Festival Announces Golden Palm Winners

The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival concluded on April 23, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, with the closing ceremony spotlighting the announcement of the Golden Palm Awards. The top honor for Best Narrative Feature Film was awarded to My Driver and I (2024) by Ahd Kamel, while Meshal Al-Mutairi received Best Actor for his performances in Hobal (2024) and Holes (2024). Other notable winners included Songs of Adam by Oudai Rashid for Best GCC Narrative Feature, Mera Mera Mera by Khalid Zaidan for Best Short Film, Delusion by Issa Al-Subhi for Best GCC Short Narrative, Othman in the Vatican by Yasser bin Ghanem for Best Documentary Film, and The Dark Side of Japan by Omar Farooq for Best GCC Documentary.

Al Habtoor Palace hosts its first art exhibition: “Dreams of Spring”

Under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Dubai, Andakulova Gallery opened “Dreams of Spring” on April 24, 2025, at Al Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Dubai. This exhibition features works by Timur D’Vatz, Timur Akhmedov, and Alfiz Sabirov, and marks the first art show hosted at the venue. The exhibition brings together three artists whose practices engage with mythology, symbolism, and emotion, forming a dialogue between tradition and contemporary form. Dreams of Spring invites audiences into a world where tradition meets contemporary expression.

On view at Al Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Dubai.

 

April 2025

‘The Land Remembers’: Lebanon’s Pavilion at Venice Biennale confronts Ecocide with a call to heal

At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, the LebanesePavilion presents The Land Remembers, curated by the Collective for Architecture Lebanon (CAL). Framed as a fictional Ministry of Land Intelligens, the pavilion explores themes of ecocide and environmental repair. CAL—co-founded by Shereen Doummar, Edouard Souhaid, Elias Tamer, and Lynn Chamoun—was selected by Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture and the Lebanese Federation of Engineers to shape this poignant response to ecological trauma and resilience.

Saudi Film Festival returns to Ithra with a focus on identity and Japanese cinema

Saudi Film Festival returns to Ithra with the world premiere of SIWAR by Osama Al-Khurayji, a powerful drama inspired by true events. Shot in AlUla and set between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the film opens this year’s edition under the theme “Cinema of Identity.” Organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with Ithra, the festival showcases 68 films from across the Gulf and beyond, alongside tributes, masterclasses, and a vibrant production market. Japanese cinema is in focus this year, celebrating 70 years of Saudi-Japan relations with screenings and expert panels.

 

Qatar Museums launches Design Doha Prize 2026

Qatar Museums has launched the second edition of the Design Doha Prize, a biennialaward celebrating design excellence across the MENA region. Four winners will be selected in the categories of craft, product design, furniture design, and a new emerging talent category. Each recipient will receive 200,000 QAR, mentorship, international exposure, and a design residency. The open call runs from April 20 to June 30, 2025. Under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, the initiative aims to elevate Arab design and connect regional talent with global platforms.

Qatar Museums and French Ministry of culture sign landmark agreement for cultural sector training collaboration

Hashel Al Lamki has been nominated for the 2025 K21 Global Art Award

Emirati artist Hashel Al Lamki has been nominated for the 2025 K21 Global Art Award and is currently undertaking a residency at Gapado Air Space in South Korea. His work, which spans themes of ecology, identity, and urban development, has gained recognition in recent years. The K21 Global Art Award, established by Freunde Kunstsammlung NRW and the Reydan + Roger Weiss Foundation, highlights the practices of emerging and mid-career artists under the age of 45. The award winner will be announced in October at K21, Düsseldorf.

Qatar Selects Lina Ghotmeh to Design Pavilion in the Giardini of La Biennale di Venezia

Qatar Museums has announced that architect Lina Ghotmeh has been selected to design the Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini of La Biennale di Venezia. Chosen through an international competition and commissioned by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Paris-based architect will create a landmark addition to the Biennale grounds. Located next to the iconic Book Pavilion, Qatar’s new space will be only the third national pavilion built in the Giardini in over fifty years.

Taymour Grahne Projects to Open New Space in Dubai in September 2025

This September, Taymour Grahne Projects will open a permanent 2,000-square-foot space in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s leading arts district. Marking its 12th anniversary, the gallery’s expansion into the Middle East signals a bold new chapter and deeper engagement with the region’s growing contemporary art scene.

Sharjah Art Foundation Announces Open Call to Build Audio Archive on UAE

Sharjah Art Foundation is inviting individuals, families, and communities across the UAEto submit cassette tape recordings for a growing audio archive. The project explores the personal and cultural significance of voice correspondence—those analog messages once sent across borders or saved for posterity. Whether it’s a recorded letter, family message, or story captured on tape, these contributions will help preserve a unique sonic history of the region.

Over $100 Million of Diamonds Unveiled in Landmark Abu Dhabi Exhibition

Sotheby’s returns to the UAE with serious sparkle. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the auction house has unveiled a jaw-dropping display of natural diamonds—valued at over $100 million—at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island. It’s Sotheby’s first public exhibition in the UAE since 2009, and it doesn’t disappoint. Rare fancy colored and colorless diamonds, some of which have only ever been seen by a select few, are now on view in one of Abu Dhabi’s most striking architectural spaces.

Christie’s Celebrates 20 Years in the UAE with 2025 Anniversary Sales, Tours & Activations

In celebration of its 20th anniversary in the United Arab Emirates, Christie’s launches adynamic year-long program highlighting the region’s artistic and cultural richness. Kicking off in April, the anniversary will be marked by curated lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions across the UAE. A major highlight is a touring showcase that brings together international and regional works—from Islamic and Indian art to rugs, carpets, modern Middle Eastern art, fine watches, and rare pieces from the Leonard & Louise Riggio: Collected Works collection. Through these events, Christie’s reaffirms its long-standing presence and continued investment in the region’s evolving art and luxury markets.

Ithra Unveils Art Collection for the First Time at Art Week Riyadh

As part of the Visual Arts Commission’s inaugural Art Week Riyadh, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) presents selections from its permanent art collection to the public for the first time. Participating as an Exhibition Partner in the “Invited Collections in Dialogue” section, Ithra debuts Landscape and Memory—a curated exhibition of 15 works spanning from the early 1900s to 2022. Featuring sculptures, paintings, and installations by artists such as Do Ho Suh, Maha Malluh, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Mohammad Alfaraj, the show explores themes of material memory, transformation, and the landscapes that shape personal and collective identity.

M7 and Chaumet Announce Tiara Project Winner: Aisha Alattiya

Qatari artist and jewellery designer Aisha Alattiya has been announced as the winner of the Chaumet Tiara Project, launched by M7 and Qatar Museums in partnership with Maison Chaumet and Alfardan Jewellery. The initiative invited creatives from across the MENA region to design contemporary tiaras that merge cultural identity with Chaumet’s botanical inspirations. Alattiya’s design will be handcrafted by Chaumet’s artisans in Paris and unveiled at M7 later this year.

Sotheby’s Partners with Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 for Exclusive Talks & Workshops

This spring, Sotheby’s partners with the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale’s Public Programs for a special educational series, The World of Islamic Art, running from 6 April to 15 May. Featuring five expert-led sessions with guests, including Dr. Mariët Westermann and Abeer Seikaly, the talks explore Islamic textiles, crafts, and artistic legacies. Sotheby’s also collaborates with Turquoise Mountain to offer artisan-led workshops on traditional techniques. Held in Jeddah until 25 May, the Biennale, And All That Is In Between, merges historical and contemporary art, fostering cultural dialogue. Sotheby’s proudly continues its support of Saudi Arabia’s biennales.

Abu Dhabi Art 2025: Dates Announced & Gallery Applications Open

The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art will be held from 19 to 23 November 2025 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou has been named the Visual Campaign Artist, reflecting her impact on the UAE’s art scene.

The fair remains a key driver of the region’s art market, with a year-round program of exhibitions, commissions, and educational initiatives. Al Mazrou, known for her conceptual and minimalist sculptures, explores materiality and perception. Gallery applications for the 2025 edition are now open until 30 April.

Telescope Beirut Launches First Edition in Lebanon as Part of SHIFT

Telescope Beirut, in collaboration with BIPOD-Beirut International Platform of Dance, launches its first edition in Lebanon as part of SHIFT, a Creative Europe project led by Cie Omar Rajeh & Maqamat (France/Lebanon), Fondazione Fabbrica Europa (Italy), and Albania Dance Meeting (Albania).

Curated by Paraskevi Tektonidou, dance curator at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, this one-week creative lab provides a dynamic space for artistic exchange, mentorship, and experimentation in dance and performance. While selected artists engage in a guided creative process with mentors, key workshops and performances will also be open to the public, fostering broader engagement.

Kamran Samimi Explores Green Tuff in Nishiaizu Art Village Residency

Kamran Samimi has been invited by Yoshihiro Yabe, Director of Nishiaizu Art Village in Fukushima, Japan, to participate in the residency program. During his time there, he will explore Green Tuff, the region’s distinctive green stones, and create new work inspired by them. Samimi’s practice, rooted in natural materials like stone and wood, reflects his multicultural heritage (Iranian/Norwegian, raised in Hawai’i). Influenced by Zen Buddhism and Sufi mysticism, his work seeks harmony between destruction and renewal. His art is held in collections, including the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Shangri La Museum. He won the 2024 Artists of Hawai’i Best in Show Award.

Mori Art Museum Acquires Bady Dalloul’s A Country Without a Door or Windows

The Mori Art Museum in Tokyo has acquired Bady Dalloul’s A Country Without a Door or Windows (2023), following its presentation in Land of Dreams, his nomadic exhibition series. Born in 1986 in Paris, the French-Syrian multimedia artist intertwines history, fiction, and personal narratives, exploring migration, territorial boundaries, and historiography. A recipient of the 2017 Prize for Arab Contemporary Creation, Dalloul has exhibited at Untilthen Gallery, Darat al Funun, Mathaf, and Jameel Arts Centre. Upcoming solo exhibitions include Mori Art Museum (2024) and Gulbenkian Museum (2026). His work spans drawing, video, and objects, engaging history’s imagined and real dimensions.

Ala Ebtekar Named 2025 King Artist in Residence at Arion Press

Arion Press announces Ala Ebtekar as the 2025 King Artist in Residence. A Bay Area native and Stanford faculty member, Ebtekar merges classical bookmaking with contemporary science and technology. His work spans photography and illuminated manuscripts, embodying Arion’s mission to bridge tradition and innovation. The residency offers artists access to Arion’s legendary printing equipment to create a fine press book. Ebtekar will reinterpret Isaac Asimov’s Nightfall, collaborating with Arion’s expert craftspeople. His project, timed with a lunar eclipse, will integrate new site-specific artwork, pushing the boundaries of fine printing and visual storytelling.

March 2025

Qatar Pavilion Announces Beyti Beytak at Venice Biennale 2025

The Qatar Pavilion has revealed details for Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La mia casa è la tua casa, a two-part exhibition at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia (May 10 – Nov 23, 2025). Presented by Qatar Museums and the Future Art Mill Museum, the exhibition explores hospitality in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian architecture.

Featuring a bamboo installation by Yasmeen Lari in the Giardini and a showcase at ACP-Palazzo Franchetti, Beyti Beytak highlights global architectural contributions from the MENASA region. Qatar’s first official Biennale participation underscores its commitment to cultural diplomacy.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Extends Made with Louvre Abu Dhabi Submission Deadline to 30 April 2025

Louvre Abu Dhabi has extended the proposal submission deadline for Made with Louvre Abu Dhabi until 30 April 2025, following strong interest from UAE-based SMEs. This initiative fosters innovative brand collaborations, celebrating the museum’s cultural and architectural heritage while promoting local creativity.

Themed around the museum’s iconic design, the first edition invites businesses to develop exclusive, high-quality products inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi. Selected items will be available in both SME stores and the museum’s Boutique, strengthening local craftsmanship and global visibility.

For proposals, contact Development@louvreabudhabi.ae.

Saudi Arabia to Make Inaugural Appearance at Triennale Milano with Maghras: A Farm for Experimentation

The Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia announces the country’s first participation at the 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition with a pavilion dedicated to Al Ahsa, one of the world’s oldest oases. Titled Maghras: A Farm for Experimentation, the exhibition, curated by Lulu Almana and Sara Al Omran, with Alejandro Stein as Creative Director, will be on view from May 13 to November 9, 2025.

Featuring newly commissioned works by artists and architects, including Mohammad AlFaraj, the exhibition explores the transformation of Al Ahsa’s agricultural and cultural landscape. Through performances, research, and interactive installations, it fosters a dialogue on preservation, adaptation, and sustainability.

Hamra Abbas’ Flower Studies 18–23 Acquired by The Long Museum, China

Lawrie Shabibi Gallery share that Hamra Abbas’ Flower Studies 18–23 (2024) has been acquired by The Long Museum, China. Inspired by her travels, Abbas transforms photographic observations into exquisite marble inlay compositions, a technique rooted in South Asian craftsmanship. Through the delicate interplay of lapis lazuli and marble, she captures the fleeting beauty of wildflowers in stone.

Asad Faulwell’s Soothsayer Acquired by The Long Museum, China

Lawrie Shabibi Gallery announce that Asad Faulwell’s Soothsayer (2022-24) has been acquired by The Long Museum, China. This striking work explores themes of nature, the cosmos, and impermanence, drawing from Iranian and Central Asian traditions. The repeated cheshm nazar (eye amulet) motifs reflect both spiritual protection and heightened perception, bridging Eastern and Buddhist influences.

Founded by collectors Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei, The Long Museum spans three locations in Shanghai and Chongqing, housing an exceptional collection of global art. Soothsayer now joins its prestigious collection, further enriching its dialogue on artistic and cultural heritage.

Design Doha Biennale 2026: Open Call for Curators

Qatar Museums proudly announces the return of Design Doha Biennale, which is taking place from April 16 to June 30, 2026. Building on its landmark debut, the second edition expands across Doha, reaffirming the city as a global hub for design and culture. A highlight will be the Design Doha Prize Ceremony on April 18, 2026, celebrating innovation and excellence.

As the journey begins, Design Doha launches an Exhibition Open Call, inviting curators from the MENA region and beyond to propose groundbreaking exhibitions. The submission period runs from March 13 to May 13, 2025. Selected curators will collaborate with the Design Doha team to bring their vision to life.

Saj Issa joins Tabari Artspace

Tabari Artspace now represents Palestinian American artist Saj Issa, ahead of her presentation at Art Dubai. Her latest body of work, Never Make a Wish in a Dry Well, explores themes of resilience and fragility through ceramics and canvas. “Ceramics are shaped by man, fire, pressure, and time. They grow stronger in the kiln yet remain fragile—mirroring displacement and the tension between permanence and impermanence.” Issa, a Great Rivers Biennial 2024 artist, has exhibited and been featured in Artforum. Her practice interrogates cultural memory and identity through material experimentation.

Saudi Film Festival 2025 has been announced

The Cinema Association and Ithra have announced highlights of the 11th Saudi Film Festival, running from April 17-23 and supported by the Film Commission. Featuring 68 screenings, including 36 films from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, this year’s theme, Cinema of Identity, explores cultural narratives and transformations.

The festival presents 12 short films in collaboration with Clermont-Ferrand and a dedicated Japanese cinema program. The expanded Production Market showcases 22 projects, while workshops, masterclasses, and competitions further enrich industry engagement. Ithra has increased screening capacity, ensuring broader access to this premier platform for cinematic storytelling.

Open Call for the Sharjah Film Platform Feature Fund

The Sharjah Film Platform Feature Fund offers a unique opportunity for one UAE-based scriptwriter, director, or lead/executive producer to receive a grant of up to 500,000 AED. Designed to support the completion of feature-length narrative films in English or Arabic, the fund builds on the previous Pitching Forum, now providing stronger backing for filmmakers.

Five finalists will be shortlisted for a closed, in-person pitch to an industry jury in 2025. Eligible applicants must submit their materials by 11:59 pm (UAE time), 31 May 2025.

For submission guidelines and requirements, email pitchingforum@sharjahart.org.

Art Week Riyadh 2025 Announced Curatorial Team

The Visual Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia has announced the curatorial team for the inaugural Art Week Riyadh, taking place from April 6 to 13, 2025. Led by Vittoria Matarrese as Artistic Director and Curator, the team includes Basma Harasani and Victoria Gandit Lelandais as Associate Curators, with Shumon Basar curating the Public Programme.

Headquartered in JAX District, with activations across the city, Art Week Riyadh will bring together leading galleries, institutions, artists, collectors, and patrons, amplifying Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global cultural conversations.

Under the theme “At The Edge,” the event will feature over 30 galleries, major collections, performances, and discussions, exploring Riyadh’s evolving artistic landscape.

Art Dubai 2025: Expanding Cultural Horizons with New Commissions and Programming

Art Dubai has announced the first details of its 2025 edition, set to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from April 18 to 20, with previews on April 16 and 17. The fair continues its commitment to fostering Dubai’s cultural ecosystem through a dynamic program of new commissions, performances, and critical dialogues.

This year, Art Dubai will feature over 120 galleries alongside curated sections by Magalí Arriola, Nada Shabout, Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, and Mirjam Varadinis. Highlights include a major commission by Héctor Zamora, a new digital work by Mohammed Kazem, and an exploration of nature and technology through site-specific installations. The Global Art Forum, curated by Shumon Basar and Y7, will address the theme The New New Normal, examining how technological and cultural shifts are reshaping our world.

With a growing focus on education, the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme will launch a new collaboration between Peju Alatise and Alia Hussain Lootah, while the second Art Dubai Digital Summit will explore the evolving intersection of art, technology, and environmental activism.

February 2025

Art Here 2025: Open Call for GCC, MENA, and Japanese Artists

The 2025 edition of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Art Here expands its scope, inviting artists from the GCC, MENA, and Japan to explore the theme “Shadows.” In partnership with Richard Mille, the exhibition, curated by Swiss-Japanese curator Sophie Mayuko Arni, examines light and shadow in Gulf and Japanese traditions. Inspired by In’Ei (陰影), the interplay of dimness and reflection, artists will create outdoor sculptures under the museum’s dome. Marking the fifth Richard Mille Art Prize, this edition deepens cultural dialogue, uniting East and West Asia. Artists are invited to submit works that reinterpret architectural and artistic heritage through the poetics of shadow.

Lina Ghotmeh to Lead Renovation of British Museum’s Western Range Galleries

Lina Ghotmeh Architecture has been selected to renovate the British Museum’s Western Range galleries in London. Led by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, the Paris-based studio won the museum’s two-stage international competition with its “archaeological approach” to redesigning a third of the gallery space.

Praised for its sensitivity to history and vision for the future, the studio will collaborate with museum experts to develop the project as part of the British Museum’s wider transformation masterplan, with initial designs expected by mid-2026. Ghotmeh aims to create an extraordinary space of global connection, integrating light, materiality, and thoughtful spatial design.

Dubai Culture and Tashkeel Unveil ‘Takhayyal’ by eL Seed, A Landmark Public Art Installation

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in collaboration with Tashkeel, has unveiled Takhayyal, a striking public art installation by Franco-Tunisian artist eL Seed. Part of the Dubai Public Art initiative, the sculpture merges Arabic calligraphy with contemporary aesthetics, symbolising imagination, heritage, and community engagement. Inspired by the phrase “Imagine something you have never done before,” the piece marks eL Seed’s return to Tashkeel, where his sculptural journey began in 2013. Takhayyal reinforces Dubai’s cultural vibrancy, celebrating creativity and the power of public art in shaping the city’s evolving artistic landscape.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Secures CAA Accreditation Renewal and Launches MFA in Theatre and Live Performance

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) has received renewed accreditation from the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) for its undergraduate programmes in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Production Arts. Additionally, SPAA’s new Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre and Live Performance has been granted initial accreditation, marking a significant expansion. The MFA offers five specialised pathways: Costume Design, Directing, Producing, Sound Design, and Lighting Design. Executive Director Peter Barlow emphasised SPAA’s role in shaping the region’s creative industries, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in professional performing arts education through advanced, industry-focused training and state-of-the-art facilities.

Dubai Culture Launches International Art Fairs Grant to Support Local Galleries Globally

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has introduced the International Art Fairs Grant to support Dubai-based galleries at international fairs. Part of the Dubai Cultural Grant, this initiative empowers Emirati artists, enhancing their global presence and strengthening Dubai’s creative economy. Managed by Art Dubai Group, it reinforces the government’s commitment to positioning Dubai as a cultural hub. Eligible galleries can receive up to 50% funding for fair participation. Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash emphasised its role in fostering cultural exchange, while William Lawrie highlighted its impact on showcasing local talent. The initiative ensures Dubai’s continued prominence in the global art scene.

Qatar to Build a New Pavilion at Venice Biennale

Qatar will build a national pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale, joining 30 countries with permanent pavilions. This marks a milestone, as only two new pavilions (Australia and Republic of Korea) have opened there in the past 50 years. Following the 2024 Protocol of Cooperation between Qatar Museums and the Municipality of Venice, Qatar aims to strengthen cultural ties with Venice and Italy. The pavilion will debut during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in May 2025 with Community Centre by architect Yasmeen Lari, part of Beyti Beytak. My home is your home, celebrating architecture across the MENASA region.

Sharjah Biennial 16 Prize Winners Announced

Sharjah Art Foundation announced Aziz Hazara, Pallavi Paul, and Pratchaya Phinthong as winners of the Sharjah Biennial Prize during the 16th edition’s opening gala on 7 February 2025. Selected by a jury including Paula Nascimento, Eungie Joo, and Gerardo Mosquera, the artists explore themes of memory, resilience, and heritage. Hazara reflects on the remnants of military intervention, Paul captures the coexistence of life and death, and Phinthong addresses ecological regeneration and cultural preservation. Curated by Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala, and Zeynep Öz, Sharjah Biennial 16 runs across 17 venues until 15 June 2025.

Historic Sotheby’s Auction in Saudi Arabia Sets Records for Regional and International Art

On February 8, 2025, Sotheby’s held its first-ever auction dedicated to fine art and luxury in Saudi Arabia, setting a historic milestone for the region’s art market. The sale attracted bidders from 45 countries, with nearly a third of the lots selling to buyers within the Kingdom. Notable records included works by Saudi artists Mohammed Al Saleem, who sold for $660,000, and Abdulhalim Radwi, who achieved $264,000. Other regional highlights included Louay Kayyali’s Then What??, which sold for $900,000, Samia Halaby’s Blue Trap, fetching $384,000, and Saloua Raouda Choucair’s early wood sculpture, which sold for $144,000. International pieces also performed exceptionally well, including James Turrell’s The Light Underneath for $660,000 and Banksy’s Subject to Availability for $1.2 million.

Bonhams to Launch First-Ever Catalogue Raisonné of Iraqi Master Jewad Selim

Bonhams will celebrate the release of Jewad Selim’s first-ever catalogue raisonné with a book launch and major exhibition, Jewad Selim: A New Life, from 24-28 February 2025. Co-authored by Nima Sagharchi, Bonhams Head of Middle Eastern Art, and Zaineb Jewad Selim, the artist’s daughter, the catalogue features 152 illustrations of Selim’s paintings and sculptures, including his iconic Freedom Monument—photographed for the first time in colour. The exhibition honours Selim’s pioneering role in Iraqi Modernism and aims to reinvigorate his legacy. The book includes critical essays by renowned art historians and celebrates his lasting impact on global art.

Downtown Design to launch Downtown Design Riyadh in May 2025

Downtown Design Riyadh will debut from 20-23 May 2025 at JAX District, a creative hub in Riyadh. This curated, four-day fair will spotlight both regional and global design brands alongside local talent and design studios presenting limited-edition pieces. The event is fueled by Saudi Arabia’s booming luxury real estate sector, driven by landmark projects like Neom and Diriyah Gate. In partnership with the Saudi Arabia Architecture and Design Commission, the fair will connect industry leaders, professionals, and design enthusiasts to the latest trends and innovations. The event aims to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, promoting design excellence and cultural heritage.

Abu Dhabi Art Extends Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites Programme

Abu Dhabi Art has extended its Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites programme until April 30, 2025. Featuring works by Dina Mattar, Manal Mahamid, and Ahmad Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, the exhibition explores social imaginaries of the indigenous gazelle—a key symbol in Arab culture. Initially presented during Abu Dhabi Art 2024, the artworks remain on view at Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort with free entry. Visitors can engage with the exhibition through tours, workshops, and talks. The programme offers unique artist-led experiences.

Vian Sora Joins The Third Line

The Third Line announce that they are now representing Vian Sora (b. 1976, Baghdad, Iraq). Sora’s paintings merge personal experience with Iraqi history, exploring themes of destruction, decay, and regeneration. Through abstract landscapes, she contrasts vibrant colours with dark undertones, evoking places ranging from lush gardens to war zones. Her first solo exhibition at the gallery, House of Pearls (October 31 – December 10, 2024), reflects on resilience and stability. In 2025, Sora’s mid-career survey Vian Sora: Outerworlds will travel to Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Speed Art Museum, and Asia Society Texas, celebrating her evolving practice.

ATHR Gallery Welcomes Nasser AlSalem to Its Roster of Artists

ATHR Gallery announce the representation of contemporary calligrapher and artist Nasser AlSalem. AlSalem’s solo exhibition, The Edge of Language, opens at ATHR JAX, Riyadh, on February 5, 2025, and runs until March 20. Inspired by Wittgenstein’s The Edge of Words, the show explores the tension between order and chaos, blending language with material form across four evocative sections. Born in Mecca, AlSalem redefines Arabic calligraphy, merging spirituality, architectural influences, and conceptual innovation. His works are in major collections like the British Museum, LACMA, and Centre Pompidou, reflecting his global acclaim and evolving practice.

Dadu Wins HundrED Award for Educational Innovation

Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, received the prestigious HundrED Award for innovation on January 23, 2025, for its educational project, A-Z Ramadan Cards. Granted by HundrED in partnership with Qatar Foundation, the award recognises Dadu’s contribution to educational innovation and cultural impact. This is the second time Dadu has won the award, having previously been honoured for its Museum in Residence Light Atelier project. Celebrated on the International Day of Education, the ceremony highlighted Dadu’s ongoing commitment to transformative learning.

Ithra presents Japan’s Cultural Heritage

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) presents Japan Cultural Days offering an immersive celebration of Japanese heritage. Exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and culinary experiences will be presented. Highlights include the Saudi debut of Drum Tao, blending traditional Taiko drumming with contemporary choreography, and Kabuki theatre at Ithra Theatre. Activities feature a Tokyo metaverse experience, Japanese tea ceremonies, and a Japanese bazaar. Workshops explore calligraphy, sushi making, and manga art. The program fosters cultural exchange, strengthening Saudi-Japan ties.

January 2025

Saudi Arabia Announces Inaugural Art Week Riyadh

The Saudi Visual Arts Commission has announced the first Art Week Riyadh, taking place from April 6 to 13, 2025, in the JAX District, Diriyah. Under the theme At The Edge, the event aims to foster a dynamic artistic community by bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, and collectors.

The program will feature exhibitions, private collection displays, workshops, and public talks, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s evolving art scene. With a focus on heritage, contemporary creativity, and future innovation, Art Week Riyadh marks a significant addition to the region’s cultural calendar.

National Pavilion UAE Announces ‘Pressure Cooker’ at Biennale Architettura 2025

The National Pavilion UAE will present Pressure Cooker at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia (10 May–23 Nov 2025). Curated by Emirati architect Azza Aboualam, the exhibition explores architecture’s role in food security, reimagining greenhouses for arid climates. Based on research and fieldwork, it examines UAE food-growing infrastructures and proposes sustainable, community-driven solutions. The project aligns with the UAE’s commitment to innovation and global sustainability discourse. Supported by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and UAE Ministry of Culture, Pressure Cooker highlights architecture’s potential in addressing urgent environmental challenges.

Qatar Museums Unveils Mehdi Moutashar’s Aspire House at Aspire Park

Qatar Museums presents Aspire House, the first permanent public artwork by Iraqi artist Mehdi Moutashar. Commissioned for Aspire Park, the geometric abstraction reflects themes of home and family. Unveiled by H.E. Buthaina Al Nuaimi and Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Al Rumaihi, it extends Moutashar’s Introspection as Resistance exhibition. Inspired by Middle Eastern landscapes and architecture, the piece integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Aspire House invites interaction and reflection, fostering community engagement through Qatar Museums’ Public Art Picnic initiative.

Sharjah Art Foundation Announces Sharjah Film Platform 7 Grant Winners

Sharjah Art Foundation has awarded the Short Film Production Grant to Salim Abu Jabal (The Untold Story of Yusra), Fatima Wardy (White Musk), and Basma Al Sharif (Morgenkreis/Morning Circle), sharing 120,000 AED. In partnership with ADMAF, an additional 25,000 AED grant was awarded to Emirati filmmaker Hana Kazim (Yathoom). A key initiative of Sharjah Film Platform, the grant supports independent filmmakers globally. This year introduces a dedicated Emirati cinema grant, reinforcing support for emerging talent. H.E. Huda Al-Khamis-Kanoo and Nawar Al Qassimi emphasized its role in fostering a sustainable, competitive UAE film industry.

Winner of the AlMusalla Prize 2025: EAST Architecture Studio

The AlMusalla Prize is an international competition to design a Musalla, a space for prayer and contemplation, located at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The winning team, EAST Architecture Studio, was chosen from a shortlist of prominent architects. Their design, On Weaving, inspired by textile artist Anni Albers, emphasises sustainability, modularity, and post-Biennale longevity. The structure uses locally sourced date palm fronds and fibres, transforming waste into a sustainable material. The design honours weaving traditions and craftsmanship, with vibrant interior colours and a welcoming courtyard for visitors, combining structure, function, and ornament in a harmonious space.

Nominated Artists for the Marcel Duchamp Prize 2025 Announced

The Marcel Duchamp Prize 2025 nominees—Bianca Bondi (1986, Mor Charpentier), Eva Nielsen (1983, Peter Kilchmann / The Pill), Lionel Sabatté (1975, Ceysson & Bénétière), and Xie Lei (1983, Semiose)—have been selected by the ADIAF collectors’ committee after a rigorous process. This edition marks a pivotal change as the exhibition moves from the Centre Pompidou, undergoing renovation, to the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris. Running from 26 September 2025 to 22 February 2026, the exhibition aligns with a five-year partnership between ADIAF, the Centre Pompidou, and Paris Musées. The winner, chosen by an international jury, will be announced on 23 October 2025 during Paris Art Week. Endowed with €90,000, the Prize is a cornerstone of contemporary art, supporting artists through exhibitions, residencies, and international opportunities. Since 2000, it has celebrated artists who have achieved global acclaim.

Gaza Biennale Artist Raises Funds for Art Supplies to Support Palestinian Children

Ahmed Muhanna, an artist in the Gaza Biennale, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise €50,000 ($52,000) for art supplies to support Palestinian children through art therapy. Muhanna, who leads art therapy sessions in refugee shelters, highlights the scarcity and high cost of materials in Gaza, with a single project for 20 children costing $300. He emphasises the importance of art for children to express their hopes and cope with fear and trauma caused by war. Other initiatives, like the Witness and Memory Initiative and Refugee Alliance International, are also fundraising to provide art supplies, therapy, and support for displaced children.

Click here to donate

Dubai Design District (d3) inaugurates ‘Daoun’ exhibition

Dubai Design District (d3), presents “Daoun,” an installation for Dubai Lights during the 30th Dubai Shopping Festival. Located between Buildings 4 and 6, this interactive display features three inflatable towers, 4.5 to 7 meters tall, illuminated nightly with dynamic LED patterns. Crafted from durable materials, Daoun draws inspiration from Emirati palm frond weaving, a traditional craft used to create homes and tools. Celebrating local heritage and resilience, this installation exemplifies d3’s role as a global creative hub. Dubai Lights runs until 12 January 2025, delighting visitors with its vibrant artistry.

Open Call for Dancers for Telescope Beirut 2025

Dancers and choreographers are invited to apply for Telescope Beirut, a week-long creative lab held from April 4 to 10, 2025, in Beirut, Lebanon, as part of the SHIFT project, funded by the European Commission.

This unique program offers mentorship, workshops, and open presentations, encouraging experimentation and reimagining performance practices. Participants will explore creating for unconventional spaces, guided by local and international experts, to expand skills, foster connections, and inspire ecological approaches to performance.

Applications close on January 31, 2025. Eligible artists must submit an ongoing project, and past work videos, and meet specified criteria.

Link to apply

Art Jameel’s Hayy Matsuri 2025 Celebrates 70 Years of Saudi-Japanese Friendship

Hayy Matsuri returns to Hayy Jameel in Jeddah from January 9 to 11, 2025, under the theme ‘Saudi Celebrates Japan,’ marking 70 years of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations. Organised by Art Jameel in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and the Consulate-General of Japan, the festival is free and open to all. It features over 30 participants, live performances, workshops, film screenings, cosplay, and more. Highlights include renowned Japanese and Saudi artists, interactive crafts, an open market, and traditional culinary experiences. Hayy Matsuri offers a vibrant fusion of cultures, celebrating creativity and the enduring bond between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Click here to book

Last Call: Louvre Abu Dhabi Fellowship and Grants Program 2025

The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Fellowship and Grants Program closes on 10 January 2025. This initiative fosters innovative research in art history, museum studies, collection studies, and heritage science. The program is centred on three themes: the Global History of Museums and Collections, Circulation of Styles and Texts, and Precious Materials and Trade Routes. Participants gain access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Conservation Center and Scientific Laboratory. Launched in 2024, the program offers research opportunities, symposiums, and collaborations with partner institutions, advancing art scholarship and empowering the global artistic community.

Apply here

Diriyah Art Futures Launches as Middle East’s First New Media Art Hub

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the Middle East’s first hub for new media art, has launched an innovative exhibition, dynamic events, and programs blending art and technology. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF honours the region’s heritage while fostering cutting-edge creativity. Its debut exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, curated by Dr. Jérôme Neutres, showcases works from the pioneers of digital art to contemporary innovators like Lulwah Al Homoud and Miguel Chevalier. Upcoming events include a robotics masterclass and a sound performance by Haythem Zakaria. DAF’s initiatives, including its Emerging New Media Artists Programme and Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, empower artists and scholars with mentorship, resources, and international exposure, establishing Saudi Arabia as a cultural leader in new media art.

Fashion Futures Dubai 2025 Showcasing Sustainability in Luxury Fashion

Fashion Futures Dubai, debuting on 6 February 2025 at Dubai Design District (d3) in collaboration with Vogue Business, will convene global luxury leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address sustainability in fashion. This event follows Dubai Fashion Week (1-6 February) and is part of a global series spotlighting innovation in London, Shanghai, and New York.

Keynotes, panels, and exhibitions will showcase solutions in manufacturing, technology, and design, fostering cross-industry collaboration. Anchored by Dubai’s thriving creative ecosystem, the summit aligns with the Dubai Design Strategy 2033 to advance sustainable luxury and solidify the city’s status as a global design hub.