Press Release

SOTHEBY’S TO HOST A DIGITAL ARTS FORUM IN SAUDI ARABIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VISUAL ARTS COMMISION OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

By Sotheby's
FEATURING THE KINGDOM’S DEBUT SHOWCASE OF NFTS ON VIEW ALONGSIDE THE DIRIYAH CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE IN RIYADH

25 – 27 February 2022

Sotheby’s and the Visual Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture are partnering to launch a digital arts forum in the Kingdom – a first of its kind in the Middle East. Charting the history of NFTs, from their inception seven years ago until today, the dedicated talks programme will bring together the pioneering artists, collectors and curators that are defining the space. Over the course of three days, attendees will have the opportunity to join a series of talks by experts in art, blockchain technology and NFTs. Sotheby’s will also showcase a selection of cutting-edge NFTs and host daily workshops as part of the Diriyah Biennale’s public program.

The forum will take place in the midst of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, which runs until 11 March and showcases some of the world’s leading artists. Serving as a platform for global dialogue and exchange, the Biennale brings together Saudi and international artists in a celebration of contemporary culture, and is an accessible and engaging platform for all.

“Digital Art provides emerging and established art practitioners and collectors with new ways to experience, collect and create with art peers around the world. As the Kingdom’s visual arts sector continues to rapidly flourish, we’re excited to partner with leading global experts such as Sotheby’s to bring this unique opportunity to engage with NFTs and digital art in Riyadh.”
Dina Amin, Chief Executive Officer, Visual Arts Commission at Ministry of Culture
“The world of digital art is an ever-evolving space, and we are excited to be bringing the international NFT community to KSA – an opportunity for the next generation of collectors to explore the new NFT technology and the great innovations that are being made, all of which starts with education.”
Sebastian Fahey, Managing Director of Sotheby's EMEA
“Sotheby’s is proud to present the first Digital Arts Forum in Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. This educational focus on NFTs is a natural next step in Sotheby’s strong history of supporting innovative cultural programmes and is testament to our longstanding commitment to Saudi Arabia echoing the Kingdom’s transformative Vision 2030.”
Edward Gibbs, Chairman, Sotheby’s Middle East & India
“We are delighted to be hosting this first of its kind project at the Diriyah Biennale as a partner of the Visual Arts Commission and Sotheby’s. The Biennale is a hub of arts engagement and learning which inspires creative dialogue across cultures while developing the local ecosystem. This collaboration will, as part of our public program, lead to burgeoning local interest in NFTs and develop best practice in the field with access to leading voices.”
Aya Al-Bakree, Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Biennale Foundation

For exhibition times and to register to attend, click here. The talks will be livestreamed on the Biennale's YouTube channel.

FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

#DigitalArtForumKSA

CONTACT INFO
Melica.Khansari@Sothebys.com

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