Diriyah Art Futures hosts second open studio for Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency

Artists and scholars share works-in-progress exploring technology, ecology and new media practice

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) hosted the second Open Studio for its Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency, offering the public a close look at projects currently in development by the Fall/Winter 2025 cohort.

Held at DAF’s headquarters in Diriyah, the event provided an opportunity to engage directly with resident artists and scholars working at the intersection of art, science and technology.

Artists and scholars explore art, technology and research

The Open Studio event marks a significant milestone in DAF’s ongoing mission to centre the region within the global dialogue on New Media and Digital Art. Visitors were invited into studios, XR spaces and fabrication labs to experience works-in-progress and gain insight into the processes shaping each project.

The evening opened with remarks from DAF Director Dr. Haytham Nawar and Director of Education Dr. Tegan Bristow, followed by presentations from residency scholars Dr. Areej Al-Wabil, a Saudi scientist, inventor and entrepreneur and Rahel Aima, a writer and researcher whose work explores culture, technology and critical theory.

Works-in-progress in new media and digital art

Artist talks and walkthroughs featured resident artists Diane Cescutti, Juan Covelli and Calin Segal, whose practices span digital imaging, immersive environments and material exploration. Attendees were able to engage in conversations around process, research questions and the technological tools being used, reflecting the residency’s emphasis on dialogue and exchange rather than finished outcomes.

High-Resolution Dreams of Sand

The 2025 residency theme, High-Resolution Dreams of Sand, encourages participants to explore the evolving relationship between humans, natural environments and technological systems. Across the presentations, this theme surfaced through investigations into ecological transformation, digital perception and the ways emerging technologies reshape how landscapes and cultures are experienced.

What’s next for the Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency

The Open Studio event forms part of Diriyah Art Futures’ wider mission to position the region within global conversations on New Media and Digital Art. Projects developed through the Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency will continue to evolve through December 2025, with future public activations planned as the residency cycle concludes.

December 2025 Residency programme continues through December 2025
Diriyah Art Futures, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

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