AlUla, February 10, 2024, The captivating landscape of the ancient oasis of AlUla will once again serve as the backdrop for the eagerly anticipated third annual AlUla Arts Festival, now rebranded as Art Unframed. Spanning an impressive 22 days, this cultural extravaganza promises a diverse array of events, exhibitions, and creative endeavors.
Since its inauguration in 2022, the AlUla Arts Festival, a highlight of the annual AlUla Moments calendar of events, has evolved into a dynamic platform showcasing a rich tapestry of creativity. The festival brings together a vibrant mix of local, regional, and international artists, performers, curators, collectors, and enthusiasts.
Central to this year's festival is the unveiling of Palms in Eternal Embrace, the winning artwork of the prestigious art prize awarded by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), presented by Obaid Alsafi. This marks the sixth edition of the prize, which, in a groundbreaking collaboration with Arts AlUla, underscores a joint commitment to nurturing creativity.
Among the festival's highlights is the Wadi Al Fann exhibition featuring the esteemed Saudi artist Manal Al Dowayan. Leading up to her ambitious land-art commission, Oasis of Stories, Al Dowayan's work will be showcased in a series of exhibitions exploring various mediums such as drawing, ceramic, soft sculpture, painting, and weaving. These exhibitions, situated in AlJadidah Arts District, provide a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and celebrate AlUla's rich heritage.
Additionally, the festival presents two Artist Residency exhibitions, emphasizing AlUla's emerging role as a hub for cultural exchange and artistic innovation in the region. Renowned artist Hassan Hajjaj's evocative images, capturing the essence of local life, will be featured, adding a compelling dimension to the festival's visual narrative.
Furthermore, an exhibition of contemporary Saudi artworks, curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, will be hosted at Maraya, shedding light on the history and evolution of the Kingdom's contemporary art scene.
Lastly, Desert X AlUla returns for its third edition, showcasing visionary contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists against the breathtaking backdrop of the desert landscape, reinforcing AlUla's status as a global cultural destination.
