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Event History
Since its launch in November 2024, the programme has supported emerging artists from across the MENA region and internationally, providing a platform for the next generation of new media practitioners to develop ambitious new works. The programme has featured strong representation from Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, reflecting DAF's commitment to amplifying regional voices in global conversations around art, science, and technology.
What Makes this event different?
Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is an arts, research and education centre driven by a belief in the power of interdisciplinary creative practice at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Developed by the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, DAF is the region’s first institution dedicated to New Media Arts. It is a location for collaboration, speculation and production by creative practitioners from across the globe, focused on research, documentation and producing new work.
The Emerging New Media Artists Programme is a supported one-year programme of creative production training.
Developed by DAF in collaboration with Le Fresnoy - Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, it provides emerging artists with access to cutting-edge professional equipment and a production budget, as well as a wide range of multidisciplinary learning opportunities.
The programme includes theoretical, conceptual and technical learning seminars, as well as personal mentorship by prominent international digital artists.
Applicants can also expect an accessible space with exhibitions, screenings and dedicated technical labs for professional creation and innovative digital development. Throughout the year, the centre will host prestigious artists and international institutions engaging in new media and technology arts.
Important Dates:
The 2026 / 27 Programme (not including Dec / Jan break)
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
- The term will begin: October 2026
- Thematic Exploration, Pre-Production & Testing: October - December 2026
- Track, Tools, Mentorship & Validation Jury: November 2026 - January 2027
- Production, Mentorship, Scenography & Curation: February - August 2027
- Exhibition & Jury: September - October 2027
Who is the programme for?
The Emerging New Media Artists programme has been developed with emerging creative practitioners from all over the world in mind, with a particular focus on those from the Middle East and North Africa. Applicants should be 35 years or younger, at graduate or postgraduate completion stage and have experience in developing and creating New Media and Digital Art.
Successful applicants will be provided an accessible space with exhibitions, screening and dedicated technical labs for professional creation and innovative digital development. Throughout the year, the Diriyah Art Futures hub will host prestigious artists and international institutions engaged in New Media and Digital Art forms.
