Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Art Futures centre launches development programme for young artists

The inaugural edition of Art Futures Camp is focused on Digital Art and Portraiture

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is one of the most exciting artistic institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Proud to be the MENA region's first centre dedicated to New Media Arts and known for its commitment to preserving the Kingdom’s unique heritage and nurturing creative talents, the centre has already launched development programmes for established artists and scholars, and emerging artists working in digital art.

But, this summer, it is taking its efforts to empower local creatives even further by launching a brand-new initiative exclusively for teenagers who are interested in digital art and technology.

Running from June 28 to July 16, the inaugural edition of Art Futures Camp will offer 14 young people the chance to complete a transformative three-week digital art programme led by an expert team of industry specialists.

Aimed at Arabic-speaking teens aged 14 to 18, the first two weeks will be dedicated to developing foundational skills.

Covering the latest cutting-edge techniques in digital art, the students will complete workshops in laser cutting, 3D printing, basic electronic circuits, digital photography and special effects, and audio recording.

Participants are then tasked with answering one question in their final exhibition: “How do you represent a person when faces are data, identities are fluid, and images travel without you?”

Created with assistance from DAF's in-house production and curatorial teams, the exhibition will be presented up on display for friends and family to view once the programme is completed.

Delivered in person in Riyadh, all participants have been handpicked based on their submitted portfolio of creative work, and their demonstrated passion for digital art and technology.

Visit: dafmoc