The Alula Arts Festival is set to return from 16 January to 22 February, 2025, with a diverse lineup of local, regional and international artists. Alula, held against the striking landscapes of Saudi Arabia, the festival aims to highlight creativity in various artistic subjects.
The annual Alula Moments calendar will have a major event, festival at several places, including the assembly classes of Alula Old Town, Vadi Alfan and Aljadidah Arts Districts, which will serve as the focal point of the festival. These sites will offer visitors the opportunity to connect with the cultural heritage of Alula and artistic tasks attracting them with natural beauty.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the world premiere of ‘Thikra’, choreographed by internationally recognized dance artist Akram Khan, and is directed by Saudi artist Manal Aldovayan. The commission, performance by Wadi Alfon, will be staged in the expanding desert landscape, which serves as a global cultural destination for contemporary land art. Wadi Alphon has permanent installations by international artists.
A project from Tarek Ataui will be ‘Bet Al Hums’ at the upcoming contemporary art museum in Alula. The initiative will include a concert performance and daily interactive sessions for visitors. Additionally, Wadi Alfon will host an exhibition of works by a famous light and space artist James Tarell.
Arabic calligraphy to perform live performance
Design Space Alula will introduce the showcasting works that detects a mixture of tradition and modernity in the artistic landscape of Alula. Another notable feature is ‘Numa the Forgotton Ceremony’, an establishment and exhibition by Saudi artist Sarah Brahim and French artist Ugo Shiavi, reflecting the identity of Villa Hagra, the upcoming Saudi-French cultural institution, Villa Hanger. Meanwhile, an exhibition of Ath Gallery will facilitate the piece by artists Danyah Alleh and Susain Kreamon.
Arabic calligraphy will also be a prominent place in the festival. Khawla presented by Kala Alula in collaboration with art and culture, ‘Alkhat’ will celebrate the artistic heritage of the Arabic script through external installations, exhibitions and a concept store. Highlights include His Majesty Shekha Khawla Bint Ahmed Khalifa al Suvedi and a performance of calligraphy-inspired Abais, furniture and jewelery. Alkhat Gallery will also host a single exhibition by Lebanese artist Gabb Havila, as well as with collective performance of calligraphy works by artists such as Visem Shokat and Abdullah Akkar.
The festival will be with a public program designed to attach visitors of all ages. Alula music will host live performance in the music hub Aljadidah and Old Town, while Cinema will offer Alzadidah Open-Ayar film screening. Additionally, Madhar Herdha will continue his year -long workshops by celebrating the artistic traditions of Adera Alula.
