The exhibition takes place in the heart of Riyadh.

Tuwaiq Sculpture has announced its theme for 2026, Traces of What Will Be. The annual international symposium and exhibition takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. FACT attended the press conference in Ladbroke Grove, London, and the curators shared their vision for the upcoming edition.

Tuwaiq Sculpture’s symposium runs from 5 to 31 January 2026, and the exhibition runs from 4 to 18 February 2026. The event brings together global artists to create large-scale works in an open-air studio environment, turning raw material into public art.

Tuwaiq Sculpture is part of Riyadh Art and turns the city into a gallery without walls. The festival brings together artists from within the country and around the world. The event makes art accessible, both in its acceptance of open submissions and how it showcases art. The process is in two parts: the first half lets the public watch the production process, and the second half exhibits the finished artwork. 

The programme celebrates sculpture as a tool for cultural dialogue and aims to reflect – and shape – Riyadh’s ever-evolving urban identity. This year’s theme explores transformation both as a physical process and a metaphor for urban renewal and cultural evolution.

The press conference was held to coincide with Frieze London, drawing attendees from both the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia’s creative scenes. Leading the initiative is Sarah Alruwayti, Director of Tuwaiq Sculpture. The 2026 edition is curated by an all-female trio: British artist Sarah Staton, German artist Rut Blees Luxemburg, and Saudi Arabian artist Lulwah Al Homoud.

Staton is the Director of the Spatial Value Catalyst at the Royal College of Art. Blees Luxemburg is a Professor of Urban Aesthetics at the Royal College of Art. Homoud is an artist, curator and visual communication expert.

Alruwayti, Director of Tuwaiq Sculpture, explained: “Tuwaiq Sculpture invites artists from around the world to leave a lasting mark on Riyadh’s changing landscape. Each edition builds a legacy, connecting communities through public art.”

Staton added, “We are currently reviewing over 700 proposals. It’s an incredible range of talent, and we’re now entering the exciting phase of narrowing down the shortlist.”

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