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Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Exhibition: A Celebration of Artistic Transformation

The Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Exhibition marks the seventh edition of a significant annual event organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, highlighting the enduring role of art in urban development and cultural expression. Running from February 9 to 22, 2026, this exciting exhibition will take place on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Al Tahlia) in Riyadh, inviting the public to experience a rich display of creativity without any admission fees.

An Exploration of Themes and Materials

Themed 'Traces of What Will Be', this year's exhibition focuses on the concept of transformation, not just in physical materials but also as a reflection of Riyadh's ongoing evolution. Historically, Al Tahlia has been tied to the city’s innovation narrative, serving as a site for early water desalination stations. This historical backdrop adds a compelling layer to the contemporary works being showcased, allowing visitors to appreciate art within a context steeped in progress and resilience.

Featuring 25 large-scale sculptures, the exhibition showcases pieces crafted during a live sculpting phase from January 10 to February 5, 2026. Visitors had the unique opportunity to observe artists at work, blending locally sourced materials—predominantly stone and reclaimed metals—into stunning art pieces. The sculptures epitomize a commitment to sustainability and innovation, emphasizing the importance of materiality in public art.

A Diverse Gathering of Artists

The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium brings together an impressive assembly of talent, featuring artists from 18 countries. The selection process for participating artists was rigorous, with over 650 applications received from 50 different countries, ultimately curated by an international jury. Each summoned artist contributes their unique perspective, enriching the exhibition with varied interpretations of the core theme.

The artworks spotlight issues around memory, resource responsibility, environmental sustainability, and human interaction with natural and urban landscapes. Each piece serves as a dialogue on these pressing contemporary concerns, urging audiences to reflect on their surroundings and the impact of their actions.

Curatorial Expertise

This year's exhibition benefits from the insights of an experienced curatorial team, including Lulwa Alhomoud, Sarah Staton, and Rut Blees Luxemburg. With their extensive backgrounds in public art and contemporary visual culture, they have shaped the frameworks within which artists have created their work, ensuring that each sculpture resonates with both the site and audience. Their vision has also helped foster a greater public engagement with contemporary art practices.

Interactive Programs and Community Engagement

In addition to the sculptures, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 will offer a series of interactive programs designed to encourage community involvement. Workshops, panel discussions, and educational tours will run alongside the exhibition, reinforcing its goal of being an inclusive cultural platform. This commitment to community engagement reflects the symposium’s broader mission of promoting awareness of contemporary art and fostering a love for artistic expression within the local populace.

A Lasting Impact on Riyadh's Landscape

All artworks presented during this year’s Tuwaiq Sculpture Exhibition will become part of the permanent Riyadh Art Collection and will be strategically installed in various public locations across the city in the future. This initiative extends the influence of contemporary sculpture beyond the exhibition period, integrating vibrant art into Riyadh’s public spaces and enhancing the urban fabric.

Since its inception in 2019, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium has seen the collaboration of over 170 local and global artists, continually enriching Riyadh Art’s Permanent Collection. Over 60 sculptures from previous editions are now permanently featured throughout the city, reflecting a long-term vision that champions public art as a vital component of civic identity and pride.

The Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Exhibition stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, uniting diverse voices in a shared experience that celebrates both the past and the possibilities that lie ahead. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in this vibrant artistic journey, which runs until February 22, 2026, on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Al Tahlia) in Riyadh.