Dhahran: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced the open call for the 7th edition of the biennial Ithra Art Prize, a prominent grant aimed at supporting contemporary art throughout the Arab world. Established in 2017, the prize serves as a significant platform for regional artists, offering a grand prize of $100,000. The winning piece will be added to Ithra's permanent art collection.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Ithra Art Prize will, for the first time, award production grants to five finalists, allowing them to display their work in an exhibition at Ithra in the spring of 2026. This exhibition marks a new phase in the prize's evolution, bringing the award back to its roots in the Eastern Region. It aims to enhance the discourse surrounding contemporary art in the region and contribute to the artists' legacies. The final winner will be chosen during this exhibition.

Submissions for the prize are now open and will be accepted until October 16. In its latest iteration, the prize invites applications for both new commissions and recontextualized existing works.

The prize seeks to honor artists whose work demonstrates intellectual engagement, contextual grounding, and development through sustained inquiry. Submitted works should reflect the artists' ongoing practice and research.

Eligibility for the prize is extended to individual artists and collectives aged 18 and older, who are of Arab heritage or currently reside in Arab countries.