Noor Riyadh 2024: A Luminous Celebration of Art and Culture Concludes in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, December 18, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival and a signature initiative of Riyadh Art, concluded its highly successful fourth edition, drawing over 3 million spectators and showcasing over 60 artworks by 61 artists from 18 countries. Under the theme "Light Years Apart," the festival transformed the Saudi capital into a radiant hub of creativity and cultural exchange.
A Festival Across Iconic Landmarks
Audiences experienced Noor Riyadh 2024 across three iconic venues: the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and the JAX District. Among the festival's highlights was a breathtaking city-scale laser projection by Chris Levine titled Higher Power, illuminating Al Faisaliah Tower. Other standout works included Maryam Tariq’s Shifting Perspectives at Digital City, exploring perceptual ambiguity, and Aether by United Visual Artists, a dazzling drone show over the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Rashed AlShashai’s The Fifth Pyramid symbolized Riyadh’s cultural transformation, becoming a focal point for dialogue about the Kingdom's evolving artistic landscape. The festival featured a blend of local and international talent, with 18 Saudi and 43 international artists creating site-specific and newly commissioned works that captivated audiences.
Community Engagement and Artistic Dialogue
Noor Riyadh’s robust community engagement program attracted over 52,000 participants through a wide range of activities. These included interactive workshops, insightful talks, family-friendly events, and guided tours that enriched the visitor experience. The program was executed by a dedicated team of curators, artists, and volunteers, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees.
The festival director, Nouf Almoneef, expressed gratitude, stating: “Once again, this year’s festival united local and international artists for a truly world-class festival. I extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible team—our staff, volunteers, and partners—as well as to the millions of spectators whose engagement made this festival unforgettable.”
Support from Partners and Cultural Institutions
Noor Riyadh’s success was amplified through partnerships with key organizations, including the Ministry of Culture, JAX District, Al Khozama, Riyadh Region Municipality, Digital City, Visit Saudi, Misk Art Institute, and many others. These collaborations ensured the festival's widespread impact and seamless execution, solidifying Riyadh's reputation as a global cultural hub.
Riyadh Art: Transforming Public Spaces
Noor Riyadh underscores Riyadh Art’s mission to turn the city into a vibrant canvas for public art. Coinciding with the opening of Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Art unveiled monumental works such as Alexander Calder’s Janey Waney and Robert Indiana’s LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside). These installations reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing daily life through art, blending creativity with urban design.
Since 2019, Riyadh Art has presented over 500 works by more than 500 artists, drawing millions of visitors and reinforcing the city’s identity as a cultural beacon.
Looking Ahead
Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Executive Director of Riyadh Art, remarked: “Noor Riyadh 2024 celebrated humanity’s connection to the stars, sparking inspiration and dialogue through the universal language of art. We look forward to continuing Riyadh’s journey of cultural transformation.”
As Noor Riyadh continues to evolve, its legacy as the world’s largest light art festival stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering creativity, promoting cultural dialogue, and positioning Riyadh as a global destination for the arts.
For more information, visit riyadhart.sa.
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