Riyadh: The Visual Arts Commission has marked the conclusion of Art Bridges 2025-2026, following a year of international exchange that strengthened dialogue between Saudi and international visual arts communities. The Art Bridges initiative brought together 40 Saudi and Saudi-based visual artists, cultural practitioners, creative professionals, and cultural producers.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Chief Executive Officer of the Visual Arts Commission Dina Amin stated that the objective of launching Art Bridges was to create opportunities with long-lasting impacts. Throughout the programs, artists and cultural practitioners have built relationships with peers worldwide while sharing their experiences of Saudi Arabia's evolving visual arts sector. These conversations and connections are expected to influence their work for years to come.
Across the four programs, participants explored how artists, institutions, and creative communities address challenges such as supporting emerging talent, engaging audiences, preserving cultural heritage, and developing sustainable careers in the arts. Many participants also expressed interest in artist residencies and other international opportunities for continued collaboration. The exchanges provided a valuable platform for participants to share their experiences of Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving visual arts sector.
Discussions often focused on the Kingdom's cultural development, offering international counterparts greater insight into its artistic landscape and paving the way for future professional relationships and collaboration.
Art Bridges is part of the Visual Arts Commission's broader efforts to support the professional development of Saudi cultural practitioners, enhance international cultural engagement, and expand opportunities for global collaboration, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.