In the heart of Diriyah, a new cultural landmark has just opened its doors, promising to reshape the future of art and creativity in the region.

Marrakech – Diriyah, a town rich in history and culture, is now home to Diriyah Art Futures, a groundbreaking new media arts hub that is set to reshape the landscape of art in the region. 

With its inaugural exhibition, “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI” in the Visual Arts, this new space is pushing boundaries, combining the worlds of technology and creativity in ways we’ve never seen before.

Curated by Jerome Neutres, former director at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition brings together more than 30 international and regional artists.

The works explore the fascinating history of computer art, from the 1960s all the way to present-day innovations in AI-driven creations.

It’s the kind of art that makes you stop and think, where the lines between human creativity and machine intelligence blur. 

It’s not just about global art, though. The exhibition proudly showcases works by Saudi artists like Lulwah Al-Homoud, Muhannad Shono, and Nasser Al-Shemimry, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in new media and digital art.

“Interestingly, with the word ‘algorithm’ originating from the Islamic world, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the relevance of these themes to Saudi Arabia, a country with a very young and technologically literate population, currently experiencing a dramatic transformation,” said Haytham Nawar, the hub director told Arab News.

This regional perspective, paired with a global conversation, is exactly what makes Diriyah Art Futures so special.

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The exhibition isn’t just a static display – it’s part of a larger movement. The hub is also launching the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, a year-long initiative developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy—Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France. 

The program offers mentorship, advanced equipment, and funding to up-and-coming artists, providing them with the tools to create cutting-edge multidisciplinary works.

What makes Diriyah Art Futures even more exciting is its commitment to fostering international collaboration and breaking down barriers.

Mona Khazindar, an adviser to the Ministry of Culture, believes this is a key part of the hub’s mission. “DAF embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating cultural exchange and international collaboration, while creating opportunities for shared learning, innovation and mutual understanding,” she argued.

As Diriyah Art Futures opens its doors to the world, it stands as a shining example of how art, technology, and culture can come together to create something truly transformative. 

Whether you’re an art lover, a tech enthusiast, or just someone looking to be inspired, this new hub is one to watch.