AlUla, a laboratory for contemporary creations

Located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the oasis of AlUla is now at the heart of a vast cultural, architectural, and tourism development project. Renowned for its spectacular geological landscapes and exceptional archaeological heritage, since 2020 it has inspired many artists welcomed in residence as part of programs run by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (Afalula).

This round table discussion will explore the work of artists in residence since 2020 in this unique creative laboratory. Through the research and proposals of Ugo Schiavi, Sara Favriau, and Abdessamad El Montassir, the discussion will focus on how contemporary art can engage with the region, its history, its heritage, and its communities.

Beyond individual stories, the discussion will highlight the innovative nature of AlUla’s residency program: a space for experimentation where contemporary art becomes a driver of innovation and critical reflection, driven by the intelligence inherent in art and its practitioners. This reflection is necessary in the context of an ambitious cultural and territorial development project, where creation contributes to shaping the possible and desirable futures of AlUla.