Shaping the Future of New Media: Diriyah Art Futures Launches Second Edition of its Emerging Artists Programme

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the MENA region’s first institution dedicated to New Media Arts, has announced the open call for the second cycle of its Emerging New Media Artists Programme, launching this October 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Emerging New Media Artists Programme, developed in partnership with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains, is a year-long opportunity that provides access to world-class mentorship, production budgets, and cutting-edge facilities. The call is open to artists aged 35 or younger, with a background in New Media or Digital Art, and at graduate or postgraduate level.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF has quickly positioned itself as a global hub for the intersection of art, science, and technology. Developed by the Saudi Museums commission, one of the 11 sector-specific commissions of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, DAF offers advanced production facilities, cross-disciplinary education, and public programming that supports a new generation of artists engaging with digital tools and emerging technologies.

What Makes This Programme Stand Out?

Participants begin their journey with three months of thematic exploration and critical discussion, where they will engage with leading artists and theorists through seminars, workshops, lectures, and screenings. This phase sets the conceptual foundation for each participant’s project.

In the following three months, the focus shifts to production. Using DAF’s state-of-the-art equipment, ranging from immersive reality systems and spatial sound environments to AI and sensing technologies, participants bring their ideas to life with the guidance of international mentors and curators. The final works will be presented in a curated exhibition at DAF, with the involvement of a professional validation jury.

The first cycle, launched in November 2024, included 12 artists from 11 countries, with strong representation from the Gulf and wider Arab region. The programme attracted artists working at the intersection of storytelling, environmental data, code and robotics, setting a bold precedent for what a New Media Arts education model in the region can look like.

Key Dates: 2025 / 26 Cycle

• Application Deadline: 24 June 2025
• Programme Start: October 2025
• Exhibition: July–August 2026

DAF encourages applications from artists across the MENA region, particularly those reimagining the role of emerging technologies through regional perspectives.

Why It Matters

In a moment where digital culture and creative technologies are reshaping how we experience art, DAF is offering more than just technical training. It’s creating a space for collaboration, experimentation, and critical thinking, placing Saudi Arabia at the centre of the global new media conversation.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.daf.moc.gov.sa
Follow @DAFmoc on Instagram and X

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