Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026: Traces of What Will Be
International sculpture symposium in Riyadh inviting artists to create public works exploring transformation and renewal themes.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium and Exhibition 2026 invites professional artists to participate in an international platform for sculptors to create, exchange, and exhibit work in public space in Tahlia, Riyadh. Under the theme 'Traces of What Will Be,' artists will respond to the historical significance of the location, once home to Riyadh's first desalination plant. The symposium emphasizes transformation as both a physical process and metaphor for change, connecting to Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in desalination technology since 1907. Selected artists will work primarily with local stone and reclaimed metal to create new sculptural works that reflect both memory and possibility. The program runs from January 5-31, 2026, with artists producing their works in situ in Tahlia, engaging directly with the material, site, and community. The symposium culminates in a public exhibition at the exact location, transforming the district into a temporary landscape of artistic experimentation and collaboration. This annual program continues to shape Riyadh's public art landscape and strengthen its position as a global center for contemporary sculpture, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities alongside the creative process.