Venice: Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the region's first New Media and Digital Arts hub, is set to collaborate with Schiattarella Associati for an exclusive panel discussion titled 'A New Era for Art in Saudi Arabia: Building Future Institutions and Pioneering Architectures.' Scheduled for May 7, 2025, at the Querini Stampalia Foundation in Venice, this event aims to explore the intersection of contemporary design and digital innovation with Saudi Arabia's cultural and architectural heritage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the discussion will coincide with the opening of the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025. It will feature influential speakers such as Mona Khazindar, Advisor to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, Dr. Haytham Nawar, DAF Director, and Andrea and Amadeo Schiattarella, principal architects of Schiattarella Associati. The panel will delve into the architectural and conceptual vision behind DAF, with James Steele, a renowned architect and art critic, moderating the session.
The conversation will focus on how DAF embodies a blend of historical context and innovative design, creating a technologically advanced cultural landmark. This discussion is a segment of the 'Building of the Future' initiative, which showcases leading global architectural projects that are reshaping contemporary design. Attendees will include architects, cultural leaders, artists, and media personnel, engaging in dialogue on Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the international creative and architectural scene.
In addition to the panel, the Querini Stampalia Foundation will host an exhibition curated by Schiattarella Associati. This exhibition will present models, sketches, videos, drawings, photographs, and objects that offer insight into the vision behind DAF's iconic building. Designed to rise from Diriyah's rocky landscape, the structure combines modern features with historical preservation, reflecting DAF's forward-thinking approach to the arts.
Set to open on May 7 and run until June 15, 2025, the exhibition aligns with the Saudi Museums Commission's efforts to position Riyadh as a global hub for creative exploration and cultural exchange under Vision 2030.