Open Call: Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024

The symposium aims to acknowledge artistic practices as a fundamental part of the cultural life of cities and as an instrument for collective wellbeing. In times of fast-paced development, such as the one Riyadh is experiencing, the legacy of Tuwaiq’s Sculpture is of particular importance; these will become a placemaking anchor for the present and witnesses for the future.

Tuwaiq Sculpture

• Tuwaiq Sculpture is an international sculpture symposium as part of Riyadh Art, one of the largest public art programs undertaken in the world today. Taking place annually since 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture has so far engaged over 100 internationally renowned sculptors and thousands of visitors.
• Celebrating its 6th edition, Tuwaiq Sculpture will host a group of 30 local and international sculptors in 2025. The artists will create original artworks that will later become an integral part of Riyadh’s urban fabric. The entire process will be open and accessible to the public, as a live sculpture-making event based at a special location in Riyadh.
• The Aim: To promote new dialogues in line with Riyadh Art’s vision and create cultural platforms where local and international artists meet and collaborate, effectively contributing to the enrichment of the cultural scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Travel and Artist Fee

• The following will be provided for each Artist: economy flight ticket (including two checked bags), ground transportation from and to the airport in Riyadh as well as the symposium, hotel accommodation, and food and beverages (three meals a day).
• The artist should ensure that the checked bags conform to the size and weight limitations and are properly declared and secured to avoid any issues during transportation.
• An artist fee of 37,500 (SAR) will be paid to every participating Artist. Delivery Provider will aim to pay the fee within 30 working days from the closure of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2025 exhibition and in compliance with the required work conditions. In case an artist does not complete their sculpture for any given reason, the fee will not be paid.

Sculpture Relocation 

• After the Exhibition, the sculptures will enrich the Riyadh Art’s collection and later become a permanent feature of the Saudi capital’s urban fabric. The exact relocation site is going to be announced in due course.

Artists Eligibility and Responsibilities 

• Artists must have at least five years of experience in stone carving and exhibiting.
• Artists agree to propose an original artwork that has never been created before and is not a copy of a previously made sculpture. If selected, Artists agree to create the proposed sculpture exclusively for Tuwaiq Sculpture and not to recreate it elsewhere after the Symposium.
• Artists may not change any part of the selected project during the working period except in agreement with the Curator and Riyadh Art.
• Artists confirm they are aware that they will contribute to one of the largest public art projects undertaken in the world today. Artists are expected to contribute to the public engagement program, including panel talks and press activities. Artists agree to be photographed and filmed for the Symposium and Riyadh Art documentation and marketing purposes.
• Artists are responsible for shipping any additional tools and/or equipment they require for their Artwork.
• Artists must bring a good quality maquette or model in fine shape to the site, sketches will not be accepted.
• Artists grant Riyadh Art the right to own the sculpture maquette and/or model for Exhibiting and Marketing purposes and the sculpture maquette and/or model shall be handed over to Riyadh Art at the end of the Symposium
• Artists’ companions will not be permitted to attend the Symposium, but are welcome to attend the Exhibition at their own expense.
• Selected artists will be sent a participation declaration letter to be signed. If selected Artists grant Riyadh Art the right of ownership and transfer of title to the sculpture and to permanently display it in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at its discretion, surviving the terms of this agreement and in perpetuity.
• As the owner of the sculptures, Riyadh Art reserves the right to relocate the sculptures anywhere within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For more information, visit Riyadh Art.