Riyadh: The Visual Arts Commission announced the upcoming edition of its Art and Ideas initiative, scheduled for 14-15 December 2025 at Prince Mohammad bin Salman City, also known as ‘Misk City’.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative, titled “Art and Ideas: in Action,” aims to highlight the dynamic relationship between theory and practice in the visual arts. The event will bring together experts from fields like curation, media, and technology to share insights that enrich the arts landscape. The initiative underscores the Visual Arts Commission’s dedication to fostering an evolving art scene by framing visual arts as a reflection of contemporary times.

CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, Dina Amin, remarked that after successful iterations in Paris and Seoul, the initiative returns to Riyadh. With the theme ‘Art and Ideas: In Action,’ Riyadh emerges as a pivotal platform for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, aligning with the commission’s vision to cultivate dialogue and nurture a sustainable artistic community.

The press release further noted that the two-day event will include four panel discussions and two keynote speeches, featuring prominent speakers from Saudi Arabia and beyond. The sessions will delve into the intersections of visual arts with technology, education, and contemporary thought, as well as discussions on building a resilient art ecosystem and encouraging community-driven projects.

In line with the Kingdom’s vision for a significant impact in arts and culture, the initiative focuses on promoting diversity, experimentation, and global connections. It aims to create spaces that facilitate the exchange of ideas among artists, curators, and cultural thinkers, thereby fostering creative dialogue. The initiative will address contemporary issues and experiences that shape the art world, contributing to the legacy of Saudi visual art in a rapidly changing global context.

This edition of Art and Ideas takes place in Misk City, a hub for arts and innovation within a wider cultural and knowledge-based framework. The city’s creative spaces offer platforms for dialogue and artistic exploration, reflecting a vision that prioritizes creativity in urban development and supports initiatives like Zawaya and Afkar.