Tuwaiq Sculpture 2025: Art in Motion

For forty days, Riyadh became an open – air atelier where sculptors from around the world brought visions to life, shaping raw stone into contemporary expressions of form and meaning. The sixth edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture expanded beyond the limits of an exhibition, transforming into a living artistic dialogue – where mastery, experimentation, and cultural exchange unfolded in real time.

Bringing together 30 artists from 23 countries, this year’s symposium offered an unparalleled opportunity an unparalleled opportunity for audiences to engage with the sculptural process at its most intimate. Under the theme “From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making”, artists explored the intricate balance between tradition and innovation, material and movement, patience and breakthrough. For weeks, visitors could observe each sculpture emerge through a delicate interplay of intuition and precision, witnessing firsthand how contemporary sculptors negotiate the tension between technique and creativity.

Sculpture has long been an art form rooted in endurance, its very nature demanding both physical and conceptual rigor. At Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024, this process was laid bare, inviting audiences to witness not just the final works but the evolution of form – the moment of impact where raw material yields to artistic intent. The symposium redefined public engagement with sculpture, moving beyond passive observation into active cultural participation.

A Curated Exploration of Form and Vision

Beyond the sculpting itself, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 established a deeper dialogue through a robust intellectual and educational framework. Under the artistic direction of lead curator Sebastian Betancur – Montoya and associate curator Dr. Manal Al – Harbi, the symposium integrated an extensive cultural engagement program designed to expand the discourse surrounding contemporary sculpture.

Over the course of the event, eleven panel discussions convened leading voices in sculpture, architecture, and the broader artistic community to examine the evolving role of sculpture in urban landscapes, its intersection with public space, and its ability to serve as a cultural connector across geographies.  Ten specialized workshops provided hands-on exploration into sculptural techniques, materials, and methodologies, allowing emerging artists and enthusiasts to gain direct insight into the creative process.

A central component of this year’s symposium was its professional training program, which offered ten selected trainees the opportunity to work alongside established sculptors, engaging in an immersive learning experience that bridged disciplines and artistic philosophies. This initiative reinforced the symposium’s commitment to fostering a new generation of sculptors, equipping them with the technical skills and conceptual foundations necessary to push the boundaries of the medium.

The interplay between seasoned artists and emerging talents underscored the broader vision of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 – to create not just a platform for exhibition, but a catalyst for artistic growth, innovation, and cross – cultural dialogue. By placing sculpture at the intersection of contemporary practice and historical tradition, the symposium reaffirmed the relevance of the medium in today’s artistic and architectural landscapes.

The Final Showcase: A City Transformed

Following weeks of creation, the completed sculptures were unveiled in culminating exhibition from February 12 to February 24, offering visitors a final opportunity to engage with the works before their integration into Riyadh’s urban fabric. This concluding chapter of the symposium provided a rare moment of reflection, where the assembled sculptures stood together as a testament to the creative and cultural diversity that defined the event.

Each piece, shaped by its artist’s distinct approach and perspective, now embarks on a new journey as a permanent installation across Riyadh, where it will become part of the city’s evolving artistic identity. The sculptures extend beyond the symposium itself, embedding contemporary artistry within the public space, shaping how residents and visitors interact with their surroundings.

As part of the broader vision of Riyadh Art, Tuwaiq Sculpture aligns with the Kingdom’s ambition to position Riyadh as a center for global culture and creativity. By integrating contemporary art into public life, the initiative contributes to the Saudi Vision 2030 mission of fostering an innovative and dynamic cultural landscape. Each sculpture, now part of Riyadh’s cityscape, serves not only as an artistic landmark but as a statement of the city’s commitment to artistic excellence and cultural exchange.

Riyadh and the Future of Public Art

The significant of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 extends far beyond its forty – day duration. The symposium represents a shift in how contemporary sculpture is perceived and experienced – breaking traditional boundaries to create an active, living dialogue between artist, audience, and urban space.

By bringing the sculptural process into the public domain, Riyadh is redefining the role of art within the city, ensuring that creativity is not confined to museums and galleries but becomes an integral part of everyday life. This approach underscores a broader transformation, one where cultural initiatives serve not only as platforms for artistic expression but as forces that shape the visual and conceptual landscape of the city itself.

As Riyadh continues to evolve as a destination for contemporary art, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 stands as a defining moment – one that bridges disciplines, connects cultures, and reaffirms the power of art to engage, inspire, and transform.