Noor Riyadh, a citywide annual festival of light and art, is set to brighten up Riyadh from November 30 to December 16, 2023. This event will take place across five locations in the city and will feature an array of large-scale public installations, projections, and interventions. The theme for the 2023 edition of the festival is “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon.”
The festival was first launched in March 2021 and has become a prominent event in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. It showcases light artworks created by leading international and Saudi artists. The initiative is part of Riyadh Art’s broader mission to transform the city into an expansive gallery, making art accessible in various public spaces.
One of the key highlights of the festival is the exhibition titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures,” which will be held at the Riyadh Art Space in JAX District from November 30, 2023, to March 2, 2024. This exhibition will feature the works of over 100 artists from 35 different countries, with more than 35 artists hailing from Saudi Arabia. The artworks will be complemented by a diverse program of community engagement activities, including tours, talks, workshops, family events, film screenings, and music performances. Neville Wakefield will serve as the Lead Curator for the exhibition, with Maya Al Athel acting as the Curator.
The festival offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience a wide range of art forms in outdoor public spaces. While most of the outdoor artworks are open to all without the need for tickets, a few select pieces may require advance booking to manage visitor capacity and ensure safety. Additionally, special activities like workshops, film screenings, and talks may be ticketed but will be provided free of charge.
The full program details and ticketing information can be found on the official website of Noor Riyadh. This festival represents a significant cultural event that showcases the convergence of art, light, and creativity in the vibrant city of Riyadh.
