The inaugural Art Week Riyadh (AWR), organized by Saudi Arabia's Visual Arts Commission, took place from April 6-13 in the Jax district of Diriyah. Though officially billed as a non-commercial curated exhibition, the event functioned much like an art fair, with 32 galleries displaying available works, price lists visible on stands, and sales conducted throughout the week. The main exhibition, titled "At The Edge," was curated by Vittoria Matarrese with associate curators Basma Harasani and Victoria Gandit Lelandais, featuring galleries from Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Standout presentations included works by Ayesha Sultana, Mohamed Bourouissa, Mohammed Al Resayes, and Miramar Al Nayyar, alongside a moving image section and a satellite program of open studios and gallery shows.
This hybrid model matters because it signals a strategic shift in Saudi Arabia's cultural development, blending institutional prestige with market accessibility to cultivate a new generation of collectors. By positioning itself as a non-commercial event while enabling sales, AWR reduces intimidation for novice buyers unfamiliar with the art market, as noted by participating dealers. The event also highlights the growing role of young Saudi collectors, fueled by Ministry of Culture initiatives, and underscores the kingdom's ambition to establish Riyadh as a regional art hub. The tension between the fair's official stance and its practical operation reflects broader debates about the evolving role of art fairs in emerging markets.