Diriyah Art Futures Announces Inaugural Art Futures Camp 2026
Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the MENA region's first centre dedicated to New Media Arts, has announced the launch of its inaugural Art Futures Camp 2026. Taking place from June 28 to July 16, the camp will provide a unique opportunity for 14 teenage creatives to immerse themselves in the world of digital art under the guidance of industry specialists.
Aimed at Arabic-speaking teens aged 14 to 18, the program is designed to foster creative curiosity and provide foundational skills in cutting-edge artistic techniques. The camp’s 2026 theme is "Digital Art and Portraiture," prompting participants to explore the question: “How do you represent a person when faces are data, identities are fluid, and images travel without you?”
Throughout the three weeks, attendees will participate in specialised workshops, including Fab Lab and exploring digital studio portraiture.
In the final week, participants will collaborate with DAF’s expert exhibition production and curatorial teams to mount an exhibition of their own work, which will be displayed.
Applications are now open for Arabic-speaking teenagers (ages 14-18) with a demonstrated interest in art and technology. A portfolio of creative work is required, along with a commitment to attend the full camp duration in person in Riyadh. All submissions must be received by the deadline of June 7, 2026. Selected participants will be informed by June 21, 2026; an attendance fee will be required for all selected candidates.
The Art Futures Camp marks the next step in DAF's mission to cultivate creative talent across all age groups. The new initiative builds on the success of the centre’s existing programmes, including two cycles of the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency for established artists and scholars, and the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, which launched an open call for its third edition last month. With the launch of this camp, DAF now extends its educational reach to aspiring young artists, fostering creativity from a formative age.
