Riyadh kicks off 17 days of spectacular light, art show
RIYADH, March 18, 2021
Noor Riyadh, one of the world's most exciting festivals of light and art combining the highest quality of light artworks across the largest city footprint, ignites today (March 18) for the first time starting 17 days of spectacular installations lighting up skies of Riyadh.
Over 60 celebrated global artists from as far and wide as Canada, Mexico, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and US are taking part in Noor Riyadh in addition to 23 leading Saudi artists, who have been selected to display significant works of light art under the theme of 'Under One Sky' as a symbol of unity.
The event is part of the larger Riyadh Art programme that is investing in more than 1,000 pieces of public art to turn the city into a gallery without walls.
Hosam Al Qurashi, the advisor of brand and marketing to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said: "This magnificent festival is a metaphor for the transformation of Riyadh. It illuminates our ambition to become one of the world's most competitive and liveable cities by 2030."
"We believe this initiative will have a profound and positive effect on enriching the lives of citizens, residents and visitors alike, bringing together a global community which sparks creative expression and creates an inclusive culture," remarked Al Qurashi.
The Noor Riyadh festival features 33 citywide installations encompassing all forms of light art, including sculptures, projections, interactive shows, kinetic and immersive pieces placed in numerous locations across the city to excite and entertain residents and visitors.
Alongside the citywide installations the Light Upon Light: Light Art since the 1960s, the largest retrospective exhibition of lightworks featuring the work of 30 artists.
"Riyadh Art will also positively contribute to the economic development of the city as a place for investment and where the new creative economy flourishes, while having a positive impact on developing Riyadh as a beautiful, vibrant and cosmopolitan city for everyone to enjoy," he added.
The festival also includes a programme of over 270 special activities of tours, talks, workshops, family activities, films and music, many of which are available online allowing the festival to be enjoyed by everybody, anywhere in the world.
The magnificent installations will be visible to all in public spaces across the city and a complete list of the exhibitions and special events can be found online at http://noorriyadh.sa.
Noor Riyadh is a citywide festival of light and art as a Riyadh Art program (running till April 3);
Light Upon Light: Light Art since the 1960s exhibition at King Abdullah Financial District Conference Center (KAFD), Riyadh, as part of Noor Riyadh, a Riyadh Art program, (running till June 12).
Director of Riyadh Art Khaled Al Hazani said: "Noor Riyadh is a celebration of light and art on an unparalleled scale."
"Art is a universal language and light is a symbol of hope and, in these challenging times, it is my hope that this festival shines like a beacon to the world and illuminates our path to a brighter future reflecting our theme of 'Under One Sky'," stated Al Hazani.
"Noor Riyadh has been designed as an immersive, interactive festival of light and art and, whether you are here in-person or engaging with us online around the world, this is an opportunity to connect with people from across the globe, sharing experiences based on the warmth of personality, generosity of spirit and creative thought," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
