Noor Riyadh

Noor Riyadh kicked off its inaugural edition in March 2021[3] at the Saudi National Museum and King Abdullah Financial District under the theme "Under One Sky,[4]" examining the human tendency to view light from an artistic and creative point of view. The event saw an ensemble of pioneering artists hailing from 20 countries, 40% of them Saudi artists, present 60 historic, visual, and engineering artworks in the form of sculptures, light shows, immersive experiences, kinetic art, and outdoor installations.[5] The festival was curated by the Saudi curator, Dr. Eiman Elgibreen, and Dutch curator, Pam Toonen. [6] The festival also included a retrospective art exhibition by 30 artists titled Light Upon Light, which tracked the progress of light art since the 1960s.[7]

Noor Riyadh's second edition was held in November 2022 under the theme "We Dream of New Horizons," symbolizing optimism and trust in the Saudi Arabia's path-breaking transformation and renewal journey.[8] Based in four key locations across Riyadh, the festival delved into how light has evolved to play a role in shaping our worldly relations. The Saudi capital was lit up across 40 different sites, thanks to 130 artists (34% of them local talent) who brought to life 190 light artworks, including 90 pieces that went on display for the first time.[9]

The event featured a charity auction where works by leading Saudi artists went under the hammer, with proceeds going to various art programs run by nonprofit foundations.[10]

• Jenadriyah
• Riyadh Season
• Riyadh International Book Fair