The Riyadh Art Program, affiliated with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, announced the launch of the seventh edition of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium 2026, one of the leading annual international events specializing in sculpture. The symposium runs from January 12 to February 22 in Riyadh, with the participation of 25 artists from 18 countries, including Saudi artists.

 This year’s edition is held under the theme “Traces of What Will Be,” exploring the concept of transformation as both a material and intellectual process that reflects urban change. Artists will produce on-site sculptures as part of an open, live sculpting experience for the public, using local materials, including Saudi granite and recycled metals, to create large-scale public artworks.

 The symposium offers visitors the opportunity to follow the full artistic process as works gradually take shape, transforming raw materials into completed sculptures. This provides an interactive cultural experience that strengthens the presence of art in public spaces and brings audiences closer to contemporary sculptural practice. This year’s edition features two main tracks: the first focuses on granite, with the option of integrating stainless steel, while the second centers on recycled metals, reflecting the symposium’s commitment to sustainability, material exploration, and artistic innovation.

 All works produced during the symposium will be added to the permanent Riyadh Art collection and later installed at prominent public sites across the city, supporting the program’s vision of integrating contemporary art into the urban fabric and positioning Riyadh as an open-air art gallery.

 Since its launch in 2019, the symposium has hosted more than 150 artists from around the world and contributed to the production of over 150 permanent artworks, reinforcing its status as an international platform for artistic dialogue and a key component of Riyadh’s growing cultural scene.