Description

By (author) Anne Proctor, Rebecca; With Al-Senussi, Alia

Art in Saudi Arabia spotlights the role that contemporary art will play in the country’s new push for sweeping internal reform and cultural diplomacy. As the Kingdom mobilizes its vast resources behind the economic and social priorities of its Vision 2030 strategy and simultaneously seeks new terms of engagement with the international community, art is set to take centre stage and a barrage of planned events, installations, public projects, biennales and museum openings is beginning to draw in many from the international art community. This book looks at both the historic and contemporary contexts for this recent state-led focus on art in the Kingdom; at how its planned events and programs stand apart, in resource, scale and ambition, from seemingly similar initiatives coming from that region; and at both the opportunities and pitfalls, not just for the burgeoning art world of Saudi Arabia, but for practitioners and professionals around the world.

Table of contents:

Foreword; Introduction: Art as a Catalyst for Social Change in Saudi Arabia; 1 From Past to Present: The Sources of Saudi Arabia’s Culture Drive; 2 A New Saudi Arabia: Art on the Frontlines of Social Transformation; 3 Culture Wars in the Gulf and the Unique Case of Saudi Arabia; 4 A Delicate Balancing Act: Art Creation Amid Unpredictability of the State; 5 State-Controlled Cultural Production, Art World Infrastructures and A Nascent Private Sector; 6 Engaging with Saudi Arabia’s New Arts Playing Field: Opportunities and New Perspectives; Conclusion: Saudi Arabia”s New Creative Economy; Further Reading; Index

Review quote:

‘The collective expertise brought to the table shines through in this astute and concise overview of one of the world’s most fast-moving art scenes’ – Canvas: Art and Culture from the Middle East and Arab World

Biographical note:

Rebecca Anne Proctor is an independent journalist, editor and broadcaster based between Dubai and Rome. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Art (Arabia). Alia Al-Senussi, PhD, is a cultural strategist and patron of the arts whose academic focus has been on the nexus of contemporary art and cultural diplomacy. She has collaborated and advised on a variety of artistic projects in Saudi Arabia.

Endorsement:

”An absorbing, concise and honest account of the contemporary cultural and artistic eruptions in Saudi Arabia that continue to baffle the art world. This book is equally personal, drawing from the co-authors’ experiences and interviews with artists and practitioners, and analytical, contextualizing the underpinning politico-socio-economical forces affecting the rapid change and its future trajectories. A timely documentation explaining and connecting the collective scene with multivalent voices from the inside.” – Dr Nada Shabout, Regents Professor of Art History, University of North Texas

Endorsement:

”Art in Saudi Arabia: A New Creative Economy? is an exceptional book that offers a groundbreaking exploration of the transformative power of art within Saudi Arabia”s evolving economic landscape. The book showcases the diverse talents and perspectives that have flourished within the country, providing valuable insights for scholars, art enthusiasts, and policymakers. This must-read book captures the essence of Saudi Arabia”s artistic renaissance and its impact on society and the economy.” – Amr M Khashoggi, Saudi industrialist and philanthropist

Endorsement:

”The Saudi art scene is one of the strongest movements emerging in the Middle East, filled with exciting, intelligent, socially conscious artists with training from different fields, who come from different classes of Saudi society. The strong prese