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Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026: A Celebration of Art and Urban Transformation

The eagerly awaited Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 is set to return to Riyadh for its seventh edition, running from January 12 to February 22, 2026. Organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City in collaboration with Riyadh Art, this year's symposium will witness the creative prowess of 25 talented artists from 18 different countries, all contributing to the complex dialogue of public art.

Theme of Transformation

The theme for Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026, titled 'Traces of What Will Be,' elucidates the transformative nature of urban spaces, redefining how we perceive both built environments and artistic expressions. By focusing on the dialogue between materials, locations, and human intervention, this edition invites artists to reflect on how their contributions will resonate in the future of cities and their communities. The theme emphasizes that the marks we leave behind not only tell about past actions but also serve as indicators of future possibilities.

Live Sculpture Experience

One of the distinguishing features of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 is the live sculpture format, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic process as it unfolds. From January 12 to February 5, 2026, the artists will work on-site, transforming locally sourced granite and repurposed metal into stunning sculptures before public eyes. This immersive experience not only showcases creativity in action but actively engages the community in contemporary sculpture practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved.

Categories of Sculpture

This year's symposium introduces two main categories of sculpture, encouraging an innovative use of materials. Artists are invited to create works using granite with the optional integration of stainless steel and recycled metals. This focus on sustainable practices not only aligns with global shifts towards environmental responsibility but also challenges artists to think creatively about materiality and innovation in their work.

Curatorial Direction

The visionary direction for Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 is led by a trio of prominent curators: Lulwah Al Homoud, Rut Blees Luxemburg, and Sarah Staton. Their combined expertise spans public art, spatial research, and contemporary visual culture, ensuring that the symposium serves as a vibrant meeting point for artistic exchange, theoretical exploration, and community engagement.

The Historical Context

The choice of Tahlia Street as the location for this year's event is particularly significant, as it is associated with the city's first desalination plant, marking a history of ingenuity and environmental transformation. This historical backdrop provides a conceptual anchor for the theme, inspiring artistic responses that reflect on the relationship between human activity and the evolution of urban spaces.

Expanding the Legacy of Public Art

The artworks created during Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 will be incorporated into the permanent collection of Riyadh Art, further enriching the cultural landscape of the capital. Following the conclusion of the event, these sculptures will be installed in key public spaces throughout the city, contributing to the long-term vision of embedding contemporary art within the urban fabric of Riyadh.

Since its inception in 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture has engaged over 150 artists worldwide, becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh's evolving cultural scene and a catalyst for dialogue between local and global artistic practices. As we look forward to this year's event, anticipation builds around the impact Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 will have on the public sphere and the legacy of art within the community.

For more information about Tuwaiq Sculpture and the upcoming exhibition of completed works, visit Riyadh Art.