**Headline:** “Diriyah Launches MENA’s First Digital Art Hub”

**Intro:**
Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the Middle East and North Africa’s first dedicated New Media Arts hub, launched in Riyadh with a groundbreaking audiovisual performance by Quayola. The event introduced *Transient: Impermanent Paintings*, blending algorithmic compositions with live piano and generative visuals. DAF’s inaugural exhibition, *Art Must Be Artificial*, explores AI’s role in art until February 2025, alongside workshops and masterclasses led by leading digital artists.

**Factbox (50w):**
– **Location:** Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
– **Inaugural Exhibition:** *Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in Visual Arts* (Until Feb 15, 2025)
– **Masterclasses:** Nov 29–30, 2024, featuring top digital artists.
– **Website:** [daf.sa](https://daf.sa)

**Diriyah Art Futures Ushers in a New Era for Digital Art in the MENA Region**
Riyadh’s cultural landscape witnessed a historic moment on November 29, 2024, with the launch of **Diriyah Art Futures (DAF)**, the Middle East and North Africa’s first dedicated hub for New Media Arts. The inaugural event set the stage for a bold vision of art’s future, blending cutting-edge technology with human creativity, and spotlighted the groundbreaking audiovisual performance *Transient: Impermanent Paintings* by internationally acclaimed artist **Quayola**.

**Quayola’s *Transient*: A Symphony of Algorithms and Artistry**
The opening night mesmerized audiences with *Transient: Impermanent Paintings*, a 2020 work reimagined for DAF’s debut. The performance transformed the venue into an immersive realm where two autonomous pianos, programmed with generative algorithms, played in harmony with real-time digital projections. Evoking the fluidity of impressionist brushstrokes, the visuals morphed alongside the music, creating a dialogue between human improvisation and machine precision. Collaborating with musician and technologist **Seta**, Quayola crafted a live experience that questioned permanence in art—each note and pixel existed only in the moment, embodying the “impermanent” essence of the piece.

**Beyond the Performance: DAF’s Vision for New Media Art**
DAF’s launch transcends a single event. Its inaugural exhibition, *Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts* (running until February 15, 2025), positions the hub as a global thought leader. The exhibition challenges visitors to explore AI’s role in creativity through interactive installations, workshops, and panel discussions. Topics range from ethical debates about machine-generated art to demonstrations of AI as a collaborative tool for artists.

**Nurturing the Next Generation of Digital Creators**
Complementing the exhibition, DAF is hosting exclusive masterclasses (November 29–30) led by pioneers in digital art and AI. These sessions offer hands-on learning opportunities for emerging artists, focusing on skills like generative coding, immersive storytelling, and integrating AI into artistic workflows. By bridging education and innovation, DAF aims to cultivate a regional ecosystem for New Media Art.

**A Platform Where Culture and Technology Converge**
Diriyah Art Futures emerges as more than a gallery—it’s a laboratory for the future of art. As the MENA region’s first institution of its kind, DAF promises to redefine cultural narratives by showcasing works that challenge traditional mediums. Its focus on AI, virtual reality, and interactive installations positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global conversations about art’s evolution in the digital age.

*Visitor Information*:
– **Exhibition**: *Art Must Be Artificial* runs until February 15, 2025.
– **Location**: Diriyah, Riyadh.
– **Program Updates**: Details on workshops, performances, and tickets available at [DAF’s official website](https://www.diriyahartfutures.sa).

DAF’s launch signals a transformative chapter for artists and audiences alike, proving that in the realm of New Media Art, the only constant is innovation.

**FAQs: Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) Launch & Programs**

1. **What is Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), and what is its mission?**
Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is the Middle East and North Africa’s first New Media Arts hub, aiming to pioneer global innovation in digital and multimedia art by merging technology, culture, and creativity.

2. **Why was Quayola’s “Transient: Impermanent Paintings” chosen for DAF’s launch?**
The performance exemplifies DAF’s vision, blending generative algorithms, motorized pianos, and impressionist-inspired visuals to redefine art-technology synergy, setting a precedent for future exhibitions.

3. **How does “Transient” integrate technology with artistic expression?**
It uses real-time algorithms, synchronized motorized pianos, and dynamic video projections to create evolving compositions, blurring lines between human creativity and machine-generated art.

4. **Who is Quayola, and what role did he play in the event?**
Quayola is a renowned multimedia artist who collaborated with musician Seta on “Transient,” showcasing his expertise in merging computational systems with traditional artistic techniques.

5. **What themes does the “Art Must Be Artificial” exhibition explore?**
The exhibition investigates AI’s role in visual arts through workshops, discussions, and performances, questioning how artificial intelligence reshapes creative processes and aesthetics.

6. **Until when can visitors attend the inaugural exhibition?**
“Art Must Be Artificial” runs until February 15, 2025, offering ample time to engage with AI-driven art installations and programs.

7. **What are the dates and focus of DAF’s upcoming masterclasses?**
Masterclasses on November 29–30, 2024, led by prominent artists, will delve into new media art techniques, targeting emerging creators interested in technology-driven artistry.

8. **How does DAF support the growth of digital artists in MENA?**
Through workshops, residencies, and global collaborations, DAF fosters skill development and provides platforms for artists to showcase AI and multimedia innovations.

9. **Beyond exhibitions, what programs does DAF offer?**
DAF hosts performances, panel discussions, educational masterclasses, and interactive installations, creating a holistic ecosystem for artistic and technological exploration.

10. **Are DAF’s installations interactive for visitors?**
Yes, many exhibits, like “Transient,” encourage immersive engagement, allowing audiences to experience real-time interactions between sound, visuals, and algorithmic systems.

11. **How is AI specifically utilized in DAF’s current exhibition?**
AI is explored as a co-creator, generating visual art, influencing music compositions, and challenging traditional notions of authorship and creativity in the digital age.

12. **What long-term goals does DAF have for the new media art scene?**
DAF aims to become a global nexus for innovation, nurturing cross-disciplinary collaborations and advancing MENA’s presence in the international digital art landscape.

13. **How can aspiring artists apply for DAF programs or residencies?**
Details on applications are available via DAF’s official website, which outlines submission guidelines for workshops, exhibitions, and funding opportunities.

14. **What distinguishes DAF from other international art institutions?**
As MENA’s first dedicated New Media Arts hub, DAF uniquely combines regional cultural narratives with cutting-edge technology, fostering locally rooted yet globally relevant art.

15. **Where can I stay updated on DAF’s future events and exhibitions?**
Visit DAF’s official website for real-time updates on exhibitions, educational programs, and partnerships, or follow their social media channels for announcements.

Each FAQ addresses key aspects of DAF’s mission, programs, and cultural impact, ensuring clarity and alignment with the press release details.

**Conclusión:**
El lanzamiento de Diriyah Art Futures no solo marca un hito histórico para la cultura digital en MENA, sino que redefine el futuro del arte contemporáneo al fusionar creatividad humana con inteligencia artificial y tecnología emergente. La actuación de Quayola, *”Transient: Impermanent Paintings”*, simboliza la esencia de esta iniciativa: un diálogo audaz entre tradición y vanguardia, donde lo efímero y lo eterno coexisten. Con exposiciones como *”Art Must Be Artificial”* y programas educativos innovadores, DAF se posiciona como un faro global para artistas, tecnólogos y pensadores que buscan explorar los límites de lo posible. Este es solo el inicio de un viaje que promete transformar nuestra percepción del arte y su rol en la sociedad digital.

**CTA (Llamado a la Acción):**
¿Listo para sumergirte en el futuro del arte? No te pierdas las *masterclasses exclusivas* este fin de semana (29-30 de noviembre) y visita la exposición *”Art Must Be Artificial”* antes del 15 de febrero de 2025. ¡Regístrate ahora en la página web de [Diriyah Art Futures](https://www.diriyahartfutures.sa) para reservar tu lugar o explorar el calendario de eventos! Sigue a DAF en redes sociales y comparte tus experiencias con el hashtag #DAFutures para ser parte de esta revolución cultural.

**Agradecimiento:**
Agradecemos a Quayola, Seta y a todos los artistas, tecnólogos y equipos detrás de Diriyah Art Futures por su visión audaz y su compromiso con la innovación. Un reconocimiento especial al público global que, con su curiosidad y pasión, impulsa la evolución del arte digital. ¡El futuro es colaborativo, y juntos estamos escribiendo su próximo capítulo!

*— Equipo de Diriyah Art Futures*

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