Prepare to be dazzled once again as Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, returns for its third edition from November 30 to December 16, 2023. With its captivating theme, “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon”, Noor Riyadh promises to illuminate the Saudi capital with a breathtaking array of large-scale light art installations, building projections, performances, and more.
Curated by a distinguished team of experts, including Jerome Sans, Pedro Alonzo, Alaa Tarabzouni, and Fahad Bin Naif, the festival is set to feature over 120 artworks by approximately 100 artists from over 35 nationalities, including more than 35 artists from Saudi Arabia.
Jerome Sans, co-founder of Paris’ Palais de Tokyo and an esteemed curator of major biennials worldwide, leads the team. Boston-based Pedro Alonzo, known for curating shows that transcend traditional museum settings, contributes his unique perspective. Riyadh-based Tarabzouni and Bin Naif, both artists and curators with architectural backgrounds, offer fresh insights into urbanism and the built environment.
The festival’s associated exhibition, titled “Refracting Identities, Shared Futures”, will be hosted at the JAX District, providing art enthusiasts with an opportunity to delve deeper into the creative minds of the artists.
Noor Riyadh 2023 promises not only a visual feast but also an engaging experience for the community with over 500 community engagement programs designed for visitors of all ages throughout the festival and exhibition’s duration.
Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, Board Member of Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Riyadh Art Program, expressed the significance of the event, saying, “Under the guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, our dedication to culture and the arts has opened doors for creative expression. The participation of renowned global lights in Noor Riyadh echoes our united vision. As we approach our third edition, we look forward to continuing Riyadh Art’s mission to turn the city into a dazzling gallery without walls and to ensure that art is for everyone”.
Noor Riyadh is an integral part of Riyadh Art, one of the world’s most extensive public art initiatives. With the goal of nurturing local talent and boosting Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy, Riyadh Art seek to transform the Saudi capital into a “gallery without walls” through a multitude of public art installations, totaling over 1,000 across the city through 10 programs and two annual events.
The previous editions of Noor Riyadh have left an indelible mark on the city, providing millions of visitors the chance to appreciate world-class light artworks and rediscover Riyadh from a fresh perspective. In 2022, Noor Riyadh celebrated numerous milestones, including welcoming 2.8 million visitors and securing six Guiness World Records, including one for the largest celebration of light art globally.
As Noor Riyadh returns in 2023, it promises to continue its legacy of bringing art to the heart of the Saudi Arabian capital and inspiring awe and wonder among residents and visitors alike. Mark you calendars and prepare to embark on a captivating journey through light and creativity this winter.
