Diriyah Art Futures, the first specialized center for New Media Arts in the Middle East and North Africa, hosted the second edition of the Open Studio for the Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency at its headquarters in Diriyah.
The event, dedicated to digital media artists and held under the theme "High Resolution Dreams of Sand," explores the connections between environment, technology, and culture, SPA reported.
The event was attended by Diriyah Art Futures Director Dr. Haytham Nawar and the center’s Education Director Tegan Bristow.
Visitors were given the opportunity to view the projects that artists and researchers are developing for the Fall–Winter 2025 season, engage directly with resident artists such as Diane Cescutti, Juan Covelli, and Calin Segal, and learn about their creative work and research at the center.
Participating researchers in the program, entrepreneur Dr. Areej Al-Wabil and researcher Rahel Aima, delivered a presentation to attendees. Their presentations reflected the experimental and diverse nature of the Mazra’ah program, which encourages artists to work across multiple techniques and media.
The program provides selected participants with access to state-of-the-art production tools within a dedicated studio, fostering collaboration and the exchange of knowledge within the global artistic community.
The Open Studio represents an important milestone in Diriyah Art Futures’ efforts to play an active role in the global dialogue on New Media and Digital Arts. Resident artists will continue developing their projects until December 2025, with future public showcases planned.
The center also provides opportunities for artists and researchers to take part in its public events, educational programs, and artistic and scientific residencies, thereby enriching the Kingdom’s art scene and strengthening its position as a global destination for New Media and Digital Arts, while highlighting local talents in the fields of art, science, and technology. This reflects the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to preserving national heritage and supporting artistic practices that shape the future of the arts and humanities.
