Illuminating the Desert Moon with Art and Light: Noor Riyadh Festival returns for its third edition in Saudi Arabia

In a radiant burst of creativity, Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, is set to return to the enchanting capital of Saudi Arabia for its third edition. This annual celebration of light and art promises to captivate the senses from November 30 to December 16, 2023, and extend its luminous magic until March 2, 2024. With an enticing theme, an impressive roster of international and local artists, and a treasure trove of cultural offerings, Noor Riyadh 2023 is gearing up to be a dazzling spectacle.

A Festival That Enlightens the Senses

Noor Riyadh is not just an art festival; it’s an immersive experience that transforms the cityscape into a canvas of wonder. The festival will illuminate Riyadh with over 120 artworks created by more than 100 artists, hailing from more than 35 different nationalities, including a significant representation from Saudi Arabia. These captivating pieces will be displayed across five hubs in the city, turning Riyadh into a mesmerizing tapestry of light and creativity.

Curators Extraordinaire

At the helm of Noor Riyadh 2023 is a team of curators who bring their unique perspectives to the festival. Led by Jérôme Sans, co-founder of Paris’ Palais de Tokyo, the curatorial team includes Pedro Alonzo, Fahad Bin Naif, and Alaa Tarabzouni. Each curator brings their wealth of experience and diverse artistic backgrounds to shape the festival’s narrative. From curating major biennials worldwide to redefining urbanism through their architectural insights, these curators promise to offer an extraordinary blend of creativity.

The Bright Side of the Desert Moon

The theme of Noor Riyadh 2023, “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon,” promises to infuse the festival with a sense of wonder and exploration. It invites artists to explore the contrasts and beauty of the desert under the moonlight, offering a fresh perspective on the Saudi landscape.

Exhibition “Refracting Identities, Shared Futures”

Running concurrently with the festival, the Noor Riyadh 2023 exhibition, titled “Refracting Identities, Shared Futures,” will be held at the JAX District. Curated by Neville Wakefield, formerly associated with MoMA PS1 and Frieze Projects, and Maya Al Athel, who served as the artistic director of the festival in 2022, this exhibition promises to delve deeper into the theme, offering visitors a thought-provoking experience.

A Festival for All

Noor Riyadh 2023 goes beyond being a spectacle; it’s an inclusive celebration of art and culture. The festival will feature over 500 community engagement programs, ensuring that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can actively participate and immerse themselves in the artistic ambiance.

Riyadh Art: A Cultural Transformation

Noor Riyadh is a vital part of Riyadh Art, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing local talent and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy. Riyadh Art seeks to transform the city into a “gallery without walls” with its multitude of public art installations, making Riyadh a beacon for art enthusiasts from around the world.

A Vision of Art for Everyone

His Highness Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, expressed the festival’s alignment with the broader vision for cultural enrichment. He noted, “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.”

A Shining Legacy

Noor Riyadh has not only illuminated the city but has also left a shining legacy. In 2022, the festival achieved numerous milestones, including welcoming 2.8 million visitors and securing six Guinness World Records, marking it as the largest celebration of light art in the world.

As the countdown begins for Noor Riyadh 2023, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unparalleled celebration of art, light, and culture. This festival, which transforms Riyadh into a radiant canvas, invites everyone to experience the world in a different light, under the enchanting glow of the desert moon.