Weekend Programs This January at Diriyah Art Futures

The Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) center is continuing its exploration of art's boundless horizons throughout January, hosting an array of performances, talks, and professional workshops designed to provoke thought and inspire creativity. These events are part of the inaugural exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, which runs through February 15, 2025.
 The program began on January 3 with a talk titled Cartographies of a Future, where ScanLAB Projects showcased the use of 3D scanning to transcend traditional photography, presenting innovative methods to capture and preserve memory. The session concluded with screenings of Post-Lenticular Landscapes and Replica-real-Replica.
 On January 4, attendees experienced Echos II, a sound performance incorporating field recordings from nature and the Tunisian Atlas. The same day featured a talk titled Raw Material, which examined humanity’s connection to nature and the intrinsic value of Earth's resources.
 On January 17, a discussion titled Creative Convergences: The Intersections Between Art and Science will explore the synergy between art and science, featuring works involving genetically modified materials, biomedia, robotics, data visualization, video mapping, and augmented reality.
 The center also offers hands-on professional workshops. On January 3 and 4, the workshop Memory in Three Dimensions introduced participants to the interplay between 3D scanning technology and human memory.
 Two additional workshops are planned for January 17 and 18. The first, Creative Photogrammetry: Digital Memories and Intangible Moments, will guide participants in creating 3D virtual models from images. The second, Academy of Neglected Material, will focus on sustainable art practices, teaching attendees how to transform discarded materials into innovative art projects.
 From January 30 to February 1, attendees can join a three-day workshop titled Cultural Totems: Sculpting Saudi Heritage with 3D Printing, which explores Saudi culture, architecture, and landscapes through digital fabrication and 3D printing technologies.
 On January 31 and February 1, the workshop Unpacking Midjourney will introduce participants to the realm of generative AI art, with an emphasis on the Midjourney platform.
 The Diriyah Art Futures center, established by the Saudi Museums Commission, serves as a hub for art, research, and education. It is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary creativity where art intersects with science and technology. As the first institution in the Middle East and North Africa to focus on new media and digital arts, the center invites artists and researchers to participate in public events, educational programs, and residency opportunities.
 The center’s mission is to enrich Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in new media and digital arts while spotlighting regional artists' contributions to the global dialogue on art, science, and technology.