Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 Returns to Riyadh for Seventh Edition Under ‘Traces of What Will Be’ Theme
The Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 symposium returns to Riyadh for its seventh edition, bringing together 25 artists from 18 countries to create large-scale public artworks through live sculpting. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, through Riyadh Art, announced the event will take place from January 12 to February 22, 2026, at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia Street).
Live Sculpting Experience Opens to Public
From January 12 to February 5, 2026, visitors can observe the complete artistic process as artists transform locally sourced granite and reclaimed metal into finished sculptures. This edition introduces two sculpting categories: granite with optional stainless steel integration and reclaimed metal, emphasizing the symposium’s commitment to sustainability and material exploration.
The open format provides a rare opportunity for the public to engage directly with contemporary sculptural practice, witnessing how raw materials evolve into enduring works of art. This interactive approach bridges the gap between artists and communities, making art creation accessible to all visitors.
Curatorial Theme Explores Urban Transformation
This year’s Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 unfolds under the theme “Traces of What Will Be,” exploring transformation as both a physical process and metaphor for urban change. The curatorial direction is led by Lulwah Al Homoud, Rut Blees Luxemburg, and Sarah Staton, whose combined practices span public art, spatial research, and contemporary visual culture.
The symposium’s location on Tahlia Street, historically associated with Riyadh’s first desalination plant, serves as a conceptual anchor for the theme. Its legacy of environmental ingenuity and transformation informs the artistic responses developed throughout the program.
Permanent Art Collection Expands
All artworks created during the symposium will become part of the Riyadh Art permanent collection. Following the program’s conclusion, sculptures will be permanently installed across key public spaces in the capital, contributing to Riyadh Art’s vision of integrating contemporary art into the city’s urban fabric.
Since its launch in 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture has welcomed more than 150 artists from around the world, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Riyadh’s evolving cultural landscape. The symposium continues to serve as a platform for dialogue between local and global artistic practices, supporting Vision 2030’s cultural transformation goals.
