The “Light of Riyadh” celebration will start from March 18 to April 3, and will last for 17 days. It includes a display of interactive artwork that depends on lighting in multiple locations in Riyadh, with the participation of major artists in the field of lighting arts, from more than 20 countries around the world 40 percent of them are Saudi artists.

This celebration is the first event of the “Riyadh Art” program, one of the four major Riyadh projects, launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - on March 19, 2019 AD, at the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, may God protect him, with the aim of transforming the city of Riyadh into an open art gallery that blends tradition with contemporary.

The celebration of “Noor Al Riyadh” includes 60 artworks that include all forms of light arts, including historical, engineering and light works, sculptures, lighting shows, interactive performances, kinetic pieces, installations and outdoor works, and a number of light art forms. Residents and visitors of Riyadh can enjoy It is closely located in various parts of the city, with two main centers designated for the celebration in each of the King Abdullah Financial District and the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Al Murabba.

Under the guidance of His Highness the Crown Prince - “Noor Al Riyadh” exhibition will be held within the celebration of “Noor Al Riyadh,” which is the largest group art exhibition that monitors the artistic movement in the lighting arts since the 1960s until today.

It receives its visitors at the conference center at the King Abdullah Financial District from March 18 until June 12, 2021 AD, and is distinguished by its comparison with museums in the quality of its displays that use light, and it is divided into four wings: the light perception wing, the light experience pavilion, the light reflection suite, and the light environment pavilion. As the visitor moves inside the exhibition in the midst of rays of light separating the works of a group of artists from multiple regions around the world during different time stages.

The exhibition is accompanied by a number of workshops, discussion sessions, tours, presentations, volunteer programs, cinematic and musical events, and recreational and educational activities suitable for all family members.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the “Riyadh Art” program, explained in a statement to him on this occasion that the program comes within the framework of the keenness of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman The Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh - may God protect him - to elevate the city of Riyadh to the position it deserves among the capitals of the world, and aims to improve the quality of life in the city in line with the objectives of the “Vision 2030”, and to enhance the cultural and artistic aspects in the city, by transforming the city of Riyadh To an open art exhibition that mixes tradition and contemporary, through 12 artistic initiatives that include the implementation of more than 1,000 works and art landmarks created by local and international artists, to the public in various parts of Riyadh; To form this program, which is one of the largest public space art projects in the world.

His Highness indicated that the “Noor Al Riyadh” celebration, which is being held in Riyadh for the first time this year under the slogan “Under One Sky”, is the first of (Riyadh Art) programs, and seeks to enhance community interaction, spread the manifestations of art and beauty in the city of Riyadh, and enrich the daily life of its residents. And its visitors, by promoting art in public places, promoting the local art movement, and encouraging more creativity and innovation.

He pointed out that the celebration embodies the generous and unlimited support that the arts of all kinds receive from His Highness the Crown Prince - may God protect him - and will contribute to giving the art scene in the city of Riyadh more vitality and interaction, and strengthen its connection with the various groups of the city’s society, by creating an artistic dialogue. Rich in Saudi art and artists, with their counterparts participating in the celebration from around the world.

A group of artists will participate in the “Noor Al Riyadh” celebration, the most prominent of which are Saudi artists: Ahmed Mater, Lulwa Al-Hamoud, Ayman Zidani, Rashed Al-Shaashai and Maha Mallouh.

As for international artists, the most prominent of them are: Daniel Burin, Carsten Holler, Ilya Kabakov, Emilia Kabakov, Yayoi Kusuma and Dan Flavin.

The selection of the slogan “Under One Sky” for the “Light of Riyadh” celebration this year comes as a motivational message to the audience of artists from inside and outside the Kingdom. To achieve more interaction with the event that revolves around common human values, and its dimensions are consistent with the innate impulse of humans to follow light, and look at the stars.

The activities and programs of the “Noor Al Riyadh” celebration have been scheduled and distributed throughout the city of Riyadh. In order to increase community participation and interaction with its activities, while requiring attendance to adhere to the precautionary measures approved by the Ministry of Health; To face the Corona pandemic.

Ceremonial program