Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission will be taking part in the Venice Biennale’s 18th International Architecture Exhibition next year.
On Wednesday, the head of the commission, Sumayah Al Solaiman, said the biennale would give architects an opportunity to find creative ways to improve people’s lives.
“This version of the biennale seeks architectural solutions to contemporary social and human issues, especially since the architect’s nature urges him to continue searching for solutions and innovations,” she said.
Describing architecture as a pillar of Saudi culture, Al Solaiman said the country's pavilion would be a platform to showcase its talent and culture on a global stage. As a result, the pavilion has invited architects, researchers and creatives in Saudi Arabia to submit proposals for the biennale.
“We wish to put the kingdom at the forefront of the global creative scene by giving opportunities to talents, and access to international platforms — and the biennale is one of the largest.”
Since its first participation in the 2011 Venice Biennale, the National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia has hosted a diverse range of architects and artists, working across different mediums, from across the country.
Saudi Arabia first took part in the International Architecture Exhibition in 2018, along with 63 other countries. The theme of “Freespace” focused on the question of space and its quality within the framework of urban environments.
Saudi Arabia also took part in 2021, exploring the theme “How Will We Live Together?”, with a particular emphasis on how people from different backgrounds can co-exist peacefully in a post-pandemic world.
The biennale will be held from May 20 to November 26 next year under the theme “The Laboratory of The Future”.
Architects and creatives interested in applying can do so at www.engage.moc.gov.sa.
How the Arab world is represented at Venice Biennale 2022 — in pictures
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Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, one of the UAE's most important artists, will represent the country at the Venice Biennale 2022. Photo by Augustine Paredes / courtesy National Pavilion UAE La Biennale Di Venezia -
Omani pioneer Anwar Sonya in his studio. He will present work at his home country's first Venice Biennale pavilion. Photo: David Levene -
Muhannad Shono's ;Streams, Dreams and Flow States;, from Desert X 2019. The Saudi artist will represent the kingdom at Venice Biennale 2022. Photo: Mo Eskandrani. Courtesy of the artist -
Muhannad Shono's 'The Lost Paths'. Photo: the artist and Athr Gallery -
French-Algerian artist Zineb Sedira specialises in travel-oriented work, tracing journeys. She will open for France, in a pavilion curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath. -
Ayman Baalbaki, 'Janus Gate', 2021. The well-known artist and filmmaker Danielle Arbid will represent Lebanon in its pavilion at the Arsenale. Photo: Ayman Baalbaki -
Ayman Baalbaki, 'Janus Gate', 2021. Photo: Ayman Baalbaki -
From front to back, Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian. The Dubai trio will show the project Alluvium in the Complesso dell’Ospedaletto. Photo: Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde -
A 2020 work by Nabil Anani, 'In Pursuit of Utopia #7', will be on view in Venice as part of the exhibition From Palestine with Art. Photo: Zawyeh Gallery
