The preview night of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026, held on February 8th, marked the opening of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent contemporary art events, bringing together artists, curators, and members of Riyadh’s cultural community. Now in its seventh edition, the annual sculpture symposium continues to strengthen its position as a leading international platform for public art, creative dialogue, and education.
The Saudi Times was invited to the event and spoke to Sarah Alruwayti, Director of Tuwaiq Sculpture at the event.
This year’s symposium is curated under the theme “Traces of What Will Be,” a concept closely tied to its location along Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Road, formerly known as Tahlia Street. The site’s historical connection to desalination and water infrastructure provided a foundation for a curatorial narrative focused on sustainability, transformation, and new beginnings.
“The theme is directly linked to the location of the symposium,” said Sarah. “Tahlia Street was named after the desalination foundation that was once based here. From that history, we connected the theme to sustainability, water, and beginnings. All of these ideas come together within ‘Traces of What Will Be.’”
This edition introduces reclaimed metal as a key medium, reflecting both environmental awareness and the fluid, evolving nature of the artworks. According to Sarah, the choice was intentional. “We wanted to clearly communicate that Tuwaiq is about sustainability. There is a sense of fluidness within the artworks, both in material and meaning.”
Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 brings together 25 artists from 18 countries, creating a diverse international environment while remaining deeply rooted in the Saudi cultural context. Over the course of the symposium, artists worked on site for 25 consecutive days, allowing the public to witness the development of large-scale sculptures from concept to completion.
One of the defining aspects of Tuwaiq Sculpture is its openness and accessibility. Unlike traditional exhibitions where works are revealed only after completion, the symposium invites visitors to observe the artistic process in real time.
“One of the main objectives of Tuwaiq is to create cultural platforms,” Sarah explained. “Not only between artists, but also between an artist and a visitor, and an artist and a student. It is an exchange of experiences and ideas.”
This behind-the-scenes access encourages dialogue and learning. “People are able to see the full artistic journey,” she added. “That creates a form of cultural exchange that is difficult to find elsewhere.”
Education remains a core pillar of Tuwaiq Sculpture. Alongside its established sculpting apprenticeship program, the 2026 edition introduces a photography apprenticeship program for the first time. The initiative was developed in response to student interest and reflects the symposium’s evolving educational mission.
“During our university outreach, a photography student asked why there was no program for photographers,” Alruwayti said. “She wanted to document the sculpting process. That conversation inspired us to create this new program.”
The photography apprentices now work alongside sculptors, documenting the creative process from within. Their work, along with that of the sculpting apprentices, is displayed in the gallery, offering visitors multiple perspectives on the making of public art.
For the organizing team, opening night was marked by a sense of pride and reflection. “It’s a mix of feelings,” Sarah gushed. “I’m very proud of the artists and the team who worked so hard to make this happen. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it taught us a lot and strengthened our connections.”
Artists participating in the symposium also engaged with Riyadh beyond the studio, taking part in curated visits to historical and architectural sites across the city. These experiences often influence their work. Sarah cited the example of Mariam, an Iraqi artist who drew inspiration from Najdi architecture, incorporating new elements into her sculpture during the creative process.
“That is the essence of cultural exchange,” she said. “When artists are inspired by the place, their work transforms.”
As Tuwaiq Sculpture continues to grow, its evolution is evident in both scale and impact. “Seeing the transformation from the first edition until now is very special,” Sarah noted. “Tuwaiq has become one of the largest and most prominent sculpture symposiums in the world.”
With its emphasis on sustainability, education, and public engagement, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural ambitions, positioning Riyadh as a global center for contemporary art while remaining deeply connected to local history and place.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture is a program under Riyadh Art that is a pioneering, city-wide public art initiative and one of Saudi Arabia’s four major projects launched in 2019 under Vision 2030.
Published by: Boudou Gueffai | Editor-in-Chief | The Saudi Times
