Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has opened applications for its third Emerging New Media Artists Programme, a one-year fully supported residency running from October 2026 to October 2027. Developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the programme offers emerging artists aged 35 or under access to professional equipment, a production budget, mentorship by international digital artists, and multidisciplinary training in art, science, and technology. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2026, with a focus on applicants from the Middle East and North Africa.
This initiative matters because it positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for new media and digital art, aligning with the Ministry of Culture’s strategy to preserve heritage while fostering cutting-edge artistic practices. By providing substantial resources and international collaboration, the programme amplifies regional voices in the intersection of art, science, and technology, potentially reshaping the future of digital art production and education in the Gulf and beyond.