Diriyah: Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the MENA region's pioneering center dedicated to New Media Arts, has announced the launch of its inaugural Art Futures Camp 2026. Scheduled to take place from June 28 to July 16, the camp will offer a unique opportunity for 14 teenage creatives to delve into the world of digital art under the tutelage of industry specialists.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the program targets Arabic-speaking teens aged 14 to 18 and aims to foster creative curiosity while providing foundational skills in advanced artistic techniques. This year's theme, "Digital Art and Portraiture," encourages participants to explore the question: 'How do you represent a person when faces are data, identities are fluid, and images travel without you?'
Throughout the three-week camp, attendees will engage in specialized workshops, including Fab Lab sessions and explorations of digital studio portraiture. In the final week, participants will collaborate with DAF's exhibition production and curatorial teams to curate an exhibition of their own work.
Applications are now open for Arabic-speaking teenagers (ages 14-18) with a demonstrated interest in art and technology. Applicants must submit a portfolio of creative work and commit to attending the entire camp duration in person in Riyadh. All submissions must be received by June 7, 2026, with selected participants notified by June 21, 2026. An attendance fee will be required for all selected candidates.
The Art Futures Camp represents the next phase in DAF's mission to nurture creative talent across all age groups. This initiative builds on the success of the center's existing programs, such as the Mazra'ah Media Art Residency for established artists and scholars and the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, which recently launched an open call for its third edition. With the introduction of this camp, DAF extends its educational reach to aspiring young artists, fostering creativity from a formative age.