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Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026: A Showcase of Artistic Transformation in Riyadh

Riyadh is about to host a groundbreaking exhibition with the Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026, organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City as part of its cultural initiatives. This event marks the seventh edition of the iconic international Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium and will run from February 9 to February 22, 2026. Located on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, also known as Al Tahlia, the exhibition is free to the public, making contemporary art accessible to all.

An Exploration of Transformation

Under the compelling theme of “Traces of What Will Be,” this year’s exhibition examines transformation as both a material process and a condition shaped by urban development. The selected location holds historical significance, where Riyadh's first desalination plants were situated, bridging the exhibition with a heritage of innovation and adaptation in pursuit of enhanced living standards.

The exhibition will feature 25 large-scale sculptures crafted during the live sculpting phase from January 10 to February 5, 2026. This initiative allows the public to witness the artistic process in real-time, fostering a greater appreciation for the craft. Artists utilized local stone and recycled metals to create their works, which emphasize durability, process, and material intelligence.

A Global Artistic Encounter

The Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 symposium has brought together both Saudi and international talent, with participants hailing from 18 countries. These artists were selected by an esteemed international jury from over 650 applications submitted from 50 countries worldwide. The sculptures presented will reflect diverse interpretations of the symposium’s themes, tackling pivotal concepts surrounding memory, responsible resource management, and the impact of human interaction within both natural and urban environments.

The curatorial vision for this year's exhibition is shaped by the expert insights of Lulwa Alhomoud, Sarah Staton, and Rut Blees Luxemburg. Their collective expertise spans public art, spatial practice, and contemporary visual culture, resulting in a powerful dialogue between material and locality, as well as potential future pathways.

Engaging the Community

Accompanying the sculptures will be an interactive program featuring workshops, panel discussions, and educational visits. This initiative is part of the symposium’s commitment to serve as an open cultural platform that encourages community involvement and heightens awareness of contemporary art.

All artworks created during the Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 exhibition will become part of Riyadh's permanent art collection. They will later be installed in prominent public spaces throughout the city, ensuring that the impact of the program extends beyond the exhibition period and integrates contemporary sculptures into Riyadh’s urban landscape.

Since its inception in 2019, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium has connected over 170 local and international artists, with each edition adding new pieces to the Riyadh Art permanent collection. To date, more than 60 sculptures from previous editions have been installed across the city, and plans for future works are already in motion, highlighting the program’s long-term dedication to enhancing public art in Riyadh.

Residents and visitors alike can look forward to this vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation at the Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 exhibition. For more information, you can visit riyadhart.rcrc.gov.sa.