The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, often referred to as Ithra, has formally announced the commencement of submissions for the seventh edition of the prestigious Ithra Art Prize. This biennial award, which focuses on the promotion of contemporary art within the Arab world, seeks to elevate the distinct artistic voices of individuals and collectives across the region. Submissions are now open and will remain so until October 16, 2025, following the official launch on July 24, 2025. Since its establishment in 2017, the Ithra Art Prize has grown into a critical platform that not only recognizes talent but also significantly contributes to the region’s evolving artistic landscape.
The Ithra Art Prize, sponsored by Ithra, features a grand award of USD 100,000; the winning artwork will be permanently housed in Ithra’s significant art collection, furthering the individual’s artistic journey while enriching the cultural fabric of the region. This year marks a poignant evolution of the prize format: for the first time, a jury appointed by the center will provide production grants to five finalists. These selected artists will be given the opportunity to showcase their work in a dedicated exhibition at Ithra in the spring of 2026. This exhibition promises to be a central highlight of the prize, returning it to its roots in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, thereby fostering a sense of community and continuity among the participants and enhancing dialogues surrounding contemporary art.
As part of its expanded vision, the Ithra Art Prize welcomes both new commissions and recontextualized existing works for consideration. The initiative emphasizes the importance of sustained inquiry and intellectual engagement within artistic practices. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and either of Arab heritage or currently residing in one of the 22 Arab countries. This inclusive approach underscores Ithra’s commitment to nurturing diverse expressions of identity and creativity.
Farah Abushullaih, the Head of Ithra’s Museum, expressed the essence of the Ithra Art Prize succinctly: “The Ithra Art Prize supports artists who engage creatively and critically with conditions and ideas that speak to the diverse contexts of our region.” Abushullaih also noted that this edition signifies a homecoming for the prize, providing a unique platform for multi-faceted dialogues among showcased works.
The Ithra Art Prize has a storied history of celebrating artists who have made significant contributions to contemporary art. Past winners have achieved accolades and recognition both within the Kingdom and on international stages. Notable recipients include Ayman Zedani in 2018 for his work “Mem,” displayed at Art Dubai, and Daniah Al Saleh, who won in 2019 with “Sawtam,” an innovative audiovisual installation that explored the intricacies of Arabic phonemes. Al Saleh’s artwork garnered further acclaim when exhibited at the illustrious State Hermitage Museum in Russia.
In the following editions, winners like Fahad bin Naif, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, and Adel Abidin continued this trend of excellence, each exploring relevant themes from environmental conservation to the socio-political impact of the global pandemic. Most recently, Obaid Alsafi won the sixth edition in 2024 for his overwhelming installation “Palms in Eternal Embrace,” an evocative piece rooted in Saudi Arabia’s rich history.
With its comprehensive approach, the Ithra Art Prize aims to strengthen the connections between Arab artists and global audiences while fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem. Initially focused primarily on Saudi artists, the prize has expanded its parameters to embrace the vast and diverse artistic talents represented across the broader Arab region.
Through the Ithra Art Prize, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture continues its mission of igniting cultural curiosity and nurturing artistic excellence. Achieving this goal involves not only recognizing individual talent but also creating a collaborative environment that encourages artistic innovation and cultural exchange. Encouraging public engagement with cutting-edge contemporary art, the Ithra Art Prize aspires to enhance the appreciation of artistic practices among diverse audiences.
Located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Ithra stands as a distinguished cultural and creative hub. Founded as part of Saudi Aramco’s extensive vision, Ithra offers an array of programs designed to fulfill its mission of enriching lives through culture and creativity. The center boasts significant architectural landmarks and facilities, including a museum, theater, library, and varied interactive exhibits, further establishing Ithra as a beacon of artistic innovation in the region.
In conclusion, the seventh edition of the Ithra Art Prize not only seeks to recognize and reward artistic accomplishments but plays an integral role in shaping the ongoing narrative of contemporary Arab art. It reflects the evolving cultural landscape, emphasizing the importance of community, dialogue, and collaboration amongst artists across the diverse and vibrant Arab world.
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