Saudi creativity took the spotlight in London recently at “Art and Innovation: New Directions from the Middle East and Asia”, a symposium hosted at Central Saint Martins (CSM), one of the world’s leading art and design colleges. The event offered a welcoming space for Saudi artists and cultural professionals to share their ideas, connect with peers, and join a wider international conversation.
Among the contributors was Lulwah Al-Homoud, a celebrated Saudi artist and CSM alumna whose work reflects both deep cultural heritage and a strong international outlook. The symposium took place during Frieze Week, a key moment in London’s cultural calendar when galleries, institutions, and creatives from around the world gather for exhibitions, talks, and fairs. Saudi Arabia was strongly represented. ATHR Gallery, known for championing contemporary and experimental practices, joined the main Frieze fair, while Hafez Gallery showcased Saudi and regional perspectives at No. 9 Cork Street. Their participation highlighted the growing visibility of Saudi art on the global stage.
The event was curated by Dr Ghadah W. Alharthi, Cultural Adviser and Senior Lecturer in Culture and Innovation at CSM, together with Suzy Sikorski, Business Development Director for the Middle East at Bonhams. The programme brought together artists, curators, collectors, and cultural leaders for fireside conversations, panel discussions, and networking. It also highlighted London and CSM’s unique role in supporting the next generation of creative leaders from across the region.
The legacy of pioneering Saudi artists such as Safeya Binzagr, renowned for her work documenting the Kingdom’s heritage, could also be felt. Her influence continues to inspire today’s creatives as they shape a confident, contemporary Saudi narrative.
Throughout the evening, contributors explored how technology, education, and artistic practice are reshaping creative landscapes in the Middle East and beyond. Conversations centred on building sustainable creative sectors, supporting emerging talent, and imagining new possibilities for cultural collaboration. The gathering reflected the strong and growing connections between Saudi Arabia and international cultural institutions. It also echoed the Kingdom’s wider ambitions under Vision 2030 to nurture a thriving creative economy.
As Saudi artists take part in global forums such as this, from discussions at world-class institutions like CSM to major cultural moments during Frieze Week, they help share a richer picture of Saudi creativity with the world: one rooted in heritage, driven by innovation, and open to collaboration.
