The Gulf is teeming with contemporary art. While high-profile arrivals like February’s Art Basel Qatar and the upcoming Frieze Abu Dhabi grab the spotlight, neighbouring Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale – closing on May 2 – has quietly matured into an established, home-grown platform now in its third edition.
One example of the kingdom’s investment in art infrastructure is Diriyah’s JAX district – a former industrial area converted into a mini arts and design hub filled with artist studios, galleries, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, and cafes and shops. It is also the venue of the Diriyah biennale, titled “In Interludes and Transitions”.
This year’s event, led by co-artistic directors Sabih Ahmed and Nora Razian, features the work of more than 70 artists from across the world.
