RCRC Concluded the Seventh Edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City concluded the activities of the seventh edition of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026, which was held from January 10 to March 8, 2026, attracting a large public turnout and notable engagement from various segments of society.
The symposium took place along Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Road (Tahlia Street) in Riyadh, where the site was transformed into an open artistic space that allowed visitors to follow the live sculpting process and interact directly with artists, in an experience reflecting the program’s direction toward embedding art in public spaces and strengthening its presence in daily life.
This edition witnessed the completion of 25 new sculptural works during the live sculpting phase held from January 10 to February 5, 2026, with the participation of a group of local and international artists. The artworks were created using local stone and recycled metals, in line with sustainability concepts and highlighting the transformation of raw materials into completed artworks within the urban landscape.
The symposium also featured an integrated community program that included specialized panel discussions, training workshops, advanced courses, and daily guided tours. These activities contributed to expanding visitors’ artistic knowledge, enhancing cultural exchange, and providing practical learning opportunities for emerging talents alongside international sculptors.
Visitors were able to explore the works through the accompanying exhibition, which continued until March 8, where the sculptures were displayed at one site following the completion of the live sculpting phase. The artworks will later be installed at several prominent public locations across Riyadh as part of a phased plan to integrate contemporary art into the city’s urban fabric.
The seventh edition was supervised by curators Lulwa Alhomoud, Sarah Staton, and Rut Blees Luxemburg, whose combined expertise in public art, spatial practice, and contemporary visual culture guided the artworks toward engaging with material and place while exploring present possibilities and envisioning future prospects. The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium is part of the Riyadh Art program, one of the public art initiatives launched by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City aimed at strengthening the creative economy, activating the cultural scene, and consolidating Riyadh’s position as a global city for the arts, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.