Riyadh, November 17, 2024 – The highly anticipated Noor Riyadh festival, the world’s largest light art event, is set to return for its fourth edition, lighting up the Saudi capital from November 28 to December 14, 2024. Organized under the umbrella of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, this year’s festival promises to be the most spectacular yet, with over 60 artists from 18 different countries participating. Under the theme "Light Years Apart", the event will transform Riyadh into a vibrant canvas of light, creativity, and cultural exchange.
The Noor Riyadh festival has become a symbol of artistic innovation and urban transformation, offering a unique platform for visual artists, industrial designers, sculptors, musicians, and photographers. The 2024 edition will feature a wide variety of artistic expressions, with each work harnessing the power of light to explore the human experience and its relationship with the environment. The festival's immersive installations and performances will be showcased at three iconic venues: the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and the JAX District, each of which will offer visitors a distinctive way to experience the festival's interactive art.
This year’s theme, "Light Years Apart", takes inspiration from the celestial connection between Althara (the Earth) and Althuraya (the Sky), exploring humanity’s journey and the pursuit of its greatest aspirations. Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, the theme draws on both the scientific and spiritual realms to reflect on humanity’s quest for knowledge and connection to the universe. The festival will debut new site-specific commissions by some of the world's most renowned light artists, including Abdul Rahman Taha, Athar Alharbi, Jukan Tatesi, Takeshi Yasura, Kimchi and Chips, Lachlan Turczan, Maryam Tariq, Nasser Al Turki, and Takayuki Mori.
With 18 Saudi artists and 43 international creators from countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the UK, the UAE, and the US, Noor Riyadh will continue its tradition of fostering cross-cultural collaboration and showcasing a diverse array of artistic styles and mediums. Whether through large-scale light installations, interactive digital art, or immersive sculptures, the festival is set to captivate audiences with its innovative approach to integrating art into urban spaces.
Beyond the stunning visual displays, Noor Riyadh will also offer a rich program of community engagement, including workshops, artistic dialogue sessions, and public discussions. These activities aim to encourage dialogue between artists and the public, further strengthening the cultural fabric of Riyadh. Visitors of all ages will be able to participate in a range of programs designed to deepen their understanding of light art and its role in shaping urban environments.
Festival Director Nouf Almoneef emphasized the broader impact of Noor Riyadh, noting that the festival not only celebrates Riyadh’s dynamic artistic spirit but also plays a key role in enhancing the city’s livability and global cultural standing. “Riyadh Art and Noor Riyadh celebrate the artistic spirit that thrives in our city and beyond. From families to emerging artists and students, the festival offers a platform for artistic exchange and discovery, uniting residents and visitors through the magic of light art,” she said. “By enhancing Riyadh's livability through festivals, community activities, and permanent artworks, the city has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination."
The festival’s continued success reflects its impact on the global art scene, having previously attracted more than 6 million visitors and earning 14 Guinness World Records. With over 388 artworks created by more than 300 artists from across the globe, Noor Riyadh has not only established itself as a leader in the light art genre but has also made Riyadh a beacon of creativity and cultural exchange in the Middle East.
This year, the festival promises to push the boundaries of artistic expression while staying true to its roots in light art. Noor Riyadh has continually transformed Riyadh into a radiant cultural landmark, offering unforgettable experiences that inspire both locals and international visitors. It is a celebration of how art and technology can come together to shape the future of cities, enrich lives, and connect people across cultures.
For more details about the festival, visit noorriyadh.sa or follow the official Instagram page at @noorriyadhfestival.
