The Second Islamic Arts Biennale will open on January 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The Diriyah Biennale Foundation will organise the event until May 25. It will blend historical Islamic treasures with contemporary art to celebrate cultural heritage.
Over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and abroad will present new works alongside historical artefacts such as religious relics, maps, and jewellery. These pieces will be displayed across five indoor halls and outdoor spaces under the Hajj Terminal canopy. Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate the contemporary art segment, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.
Art Biennale’s Theme
The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” invites audiences to explore concepts of space, time, and light, fostering imagination and collective understanding. Artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam have guided the curation, emphasising the connection between traditional Islamic art and modern creative expressions.
The event will also address environmental and social issues, incorporating themes from Islamic civilisation, such as gardens that merge nature and design. Seven sections — including Al-Bidaya (The Beginning), Al-Madar (The Orbit), and Al-Musalla (The Prayer Hall) — will guide visitors through 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, offering a comprehensive journey into Islamic artistic heritage.
Reflecting on the first Islamic Arts Biennale
Sumayya Vally artistically directed the First Islamic Arts Biennale, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January to May 2023. The event, commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, transformed the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport into a cultural space. Vally emphasised redefining Islamic arts by connecting them to Muslim communities’ lived experiences and rituals. She described the project as a decolonial effort to “claim, reclaim, configure, and reconfigure” the understanding of Islamic arts for the present and future.
Continuously Evolving Through Art
While the first Islamic Arts Biennale, under Sumayya Vally’s artistic direction, focused on redefining and reconnecting Islamic arts to lived experiences and rituals, the second biennale builds on this foundation by further exploring the interplay of historical treasures and contemporary creativity. With its theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” the upcoming biennale expands on the narrative by addressing broader concepts like space, time, and light while incorporating pressing environmental and social issues.
These events reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving Islamic artistic heritage while reimagining its role in a rapidly changing world. They position the biennale as a dynamic platform for cultural dialogue and innovation.
Worldwide, art is a shared language; globally, we are connected through the unique ways we decide to express ourselves.
Stay tuned to the Daily Euro Times for more updates on this story and other exciting cultural events. Don’t forget to explore our Arts Section for more insights and features on the world of art and heritage!
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