The Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia has invited artists to apply for its Emerging New Media Artists program, scheduled to occur at the upcoming Diriyah Art Futures center. This initiative aims to offer local and regional artists access to state-of-the-art professional equipment, production funding, and diverse learning experiences across multiple disciplines. Participants will also benefit from personal mentorship provided by renowned international digital artists. The program is a component of a broader collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Diriyah Co., leading to the launch of the Diriyah Art Futures center, the world's first facility exclusively dedicated to new media creatives.
Accepted candidates will have the opportunity to explore digital art, interactive installations, AI, video, net art, generative art, virtual reality, augmented reality, sound art, data visualization, 3D printing, fabrication, cinema, and animation. Eligible applicants must be under 35, hold a degree, and possess some experience in developing and creating digital art. Saudi Arabia, recognized for its rich historical and cultural heritage, is currently experiencing a cultural revival that goes beyond its ancient traditions. The Kingdom's art scene has undergone significant changes in recent years, with contemporary artists playing a pivotal role in pushing boundaries and challenging established notions.
New media art encompasses artworks crafted and generated through electronic media technologies, including virtual art, computer graphics, computer animation, digital art, interactive art, sound art, Internet art, video games, robotics, 3D printing, and cyborg art. The term is defined by the resulting artwork, distinguishing it from traditional visual arts such as architecture, painting, and sculpture. The roots of New Media art can be traced back to the intersections of science, art, and performance. Common themes in this genre include databases, political and social activism, Afrofuturism, feminism, and identity, with a consistent focus on integrating new technology into the creative process.
