RIYADH: The sixth annual Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium began in Riyadh on Wednesday with 30 works of art created during a live sculpting exhibition at Roshn Front last month.
Held under the theme “From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making,” the event runs until Feb. 24.
The annual symposium brings together local and international artists, and includes a series of workshops, educational trips and interactive talks.
Organizers have announced that all sculptures created during the event will become part of the permanent collection of Riyadh Art.
These sculptures will be placed in prominent public spaces across the city, complementing the 35 sculptures from previous editions of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, which were installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Among the prominent additions to Riyadh Art’s permanent collection are “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” by American artist Robert Indiana and “Janey Waney” by American artist Alexander Calder, both located at the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station.
Additionally, “Sun” by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone was recently installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Riyadh Art is dedicated to installing more than 1,000 public artworks throughout the city as part of its efforts to enhance and diversify Riyadh’s cultural landscape.
The symposium showcases works created at Roshn Front during a live public sculpting phase which took place from Jan. 15-Feb. 8. The event featured artists from a range of backgrounds.
Out of more than 750 applications from around the world, 30 artists from 23 countries were selected. The artists represent a wide range of sculptural traditions and contemporary practices, with each piece reflecting this year’s theme.
Sebastian Betancur-Montoya, curator of the 2025 Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, said: “The exhibition is the culmination of weeks of dedication, artistic exchange and craftsmanship.
“These sculptures are not merely temporary installations; they are part of an ongoing cultural dialogue that connects history with modernity, contributing to the development of Riyadh’s public art scene.”
As part of the public engagement program for the live sculpting phase, which features group discussions, workshops, training sessions and guided tours, the exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to interact with the artists’ creative processes and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of contemporary sculpture.
Tuwaiq Sculpture is a key program within the Riyadh Grand Projects, an initiative launched by King Salman in 2019.
