From the heart of the ancient city of Diriyah, rises a beacon of innovation and imagination: Diriyah Art Futures (DAF). This visionary arts, research and education centre, nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a harbinger of the boundless creative possibilities at the intersection of art, science and technology.
Developed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture in partnership with Diriyah Company, DAF is the region’s first institution dedicated to New Media and Digital Art. More than just a physical space, DAF introduces a vibrant ecosystem where artists, scholars and technologists from around the world can converge to explore, experiment and redefine the relationship between art and technology.
DAF recently launched the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to nurture the next generation of artistic visionaries. Developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the programme represents a bold step forward in the realm of creative education, offering emerging artists an unparalleled opportunity to push the boundaries of their craft and shape the future of New Media Art.
The transformative one-year programme immerses participants in a world of digital and new media technology, interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity. From the moment they step foot into DAF’s state-of-the-art facilities, artists are greeted with an array of resources, from professional equipment to a dedicated production budget, all aimed at empowering them to bring their artistic visions to life.
The programme challenges participants to think differently, to push beyond the confines of artistic mediums. Through personal mentorship by leading international digital artists and scholars, participants are guided in the production of new work, culminating in an exhibition of their works.
The fully sponsored programme is aimed at emerging creatives from all over the world, with a focus on those from the Middle East and North Africa. It welcomes artists from all backgrounds and perspectives. Whether they hail from the bustling streets of Riyadh or the vibrant art scenes of Cairo, Paris or Nairobi, participants bring with them a wealth of experiences and insights that enrich the creative dialogue at DAF. The programme fosters exchange and collaboration, creating a community of artists and scholars united by their passion for art, innovation and exploration.
As participants dive into the world of New Media Art, they are encouraged to embrace emerging technologies such as virtual worlds and AI, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. From immersive multimedia installations to interactive narratives, the work produced through the Emerging New Media Artists Programme will invite audiences to engage with the world in new and unexpected ways.
But the impact of the programme extends far beyond the walls of DAF; By establishing Diriyah as a global hub for New Media Art, the programme not only attracts talent and investment from around the world but also contributes to the realisation of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and promote cultural exchange through initiatives such as DAF.
With the support of DAF the inaugural cohort will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity, challenge the status quo and inspire future generations of artists to dream, create and innovate without limits.
The call for applications for DAF’s Emerging New Media Artists Educational Programme is now open. Applicants should be 35 years or younger, at graduate or postgraduate completion stage and have experience in developing and creating New Media and Digital Art. Interested candidates can find information and selection criteria, and apply to the programme here.
Apply to the Programme | DAFmoc
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