Jeddah, January 26, 2025 – The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has officially opened the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled And All That is in Between, marking a significant cultural milestone in the Kingdom. Running until May 25, 2025, this edition builds upon the success of its inaugural year and further establishes Jeddah as a vibrant hub for global arts and culture. The event is set against the backdrop of the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, a location steeped in emotional significance for millions of Muslim pilgrims who embark on their sacred journeys each year. This setting uniquely intertwines the sacred and the contemporary, allowing visitors to engage with both historical Islamic artifacts and cutting-edge contemporary art in one space.
The theme, And All That is in Between, is inspired by a Quranic verse that speaks to the grandeur of God’s creation: “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.” This powerful phrase underscores the exploration of faith, spirituality, and the divine as perceived through human experience. The exhibition spans five expansive halls, outdoor spaces, and features over 500 objects and works of art, offering a profound reflection on how humanity seeks to understand and connect with the divine through creativity.
Leading the artistic vision of the Biennale is an esteemed team of international experts, including Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, alongside Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, who serves as the Curator. Their collective expertise ensures that the Biennale continues to evolve as a dynamic platform for cross-cultural exchange and reflection.
This edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale marks an important expansion in both its scale and international involvement. With significant loans from prestigious institutions such as the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the exhibition is enriched with masterpieces that span centuries of Islamic history. Saudi institutions like the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), King Fahad National Library, and the King Abdulaziz Waqf Libraries Assembly contribute invaluable objects, ensuring a rich display of the Kingdom’s own artistic heritage.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the first-ever display of the entire Kiswah—the sacred cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba—presented outside of Makkah. This rare and significant exhibit offers a glimpse into the profound connection between the physical and spiritual realms in Islamic tradition, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to engage with an iconic symbol of the Muslim world.
With contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, and beyond, including 29 new commissions, the Biennale is not only a celebration of Islamic heritage but also an important platform for contemporary Saudi art. The exhibition’s seven thematic sections—AlBidayah (The Beginning), AlMadar (The Orbit), AlMuqtani (Homage), AlMidhallah (The Canopy), AlMukarramah (The Honored), AlMunawwarah (The Illuminated), and AlMusalla—invite visitors to explore a range of topics that bridge the sacred and the modern, reflecting the complex interplay between tradition and innovation.
The Islamic Arts Biennale is complemented by a series of public programs, including talks, workshops, and symposia, designed to deepen the public’s engagement with the themes of the exhibition. Notable programs include Biennale After School and Biennale After Work, which offer hands-on art workshops for children and adults, fostering creativity and reflection in a family-friendly environment.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange ensures that the Islamic Arts Biennale remains a significant global event, fostering deeper understanding and dialogue between cultures and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the arts. Through initiatives like this, the Kingdom is solidifying its place as a central player in the international cultural scene, while offering both residents and visitors the chance to experience the richness of Islamic art in new and exciting ways.
