Riyadh, KSA - The Riyadh Light Festival 2024, themed ‘Between the Earth and the Pleiades,’ continues to transform Saudi Arabia’s capital into a vibrant celebration of light and art. As the world’s largest light art festival, this year’s edition presents over 60 artworks by a mix of Saudi and international artists. From immersive installations to cutting-edge projection mapping, the festival highlights the dynamic interplay between tradition, innovation, and technology. Central to its ethos is a commitment to fostering a global dialogue about creativity, sustainability, and the evolving role of art in shaping our collective future.
At the helm of this ambitious undertaking is Nouf Al Moneef, Noor Riyadh’s Festival Director. Drawing on her background in architecture and interior design, Al Moneef has played a pivotal role in curating an event that reflects Riyadh’s heritage and aspirations. Since the festival’s inception, she has worked to elevate Saudi Arabia’s artistic profile on the global stage. Under her leadership, Noor Riyadh has grown into a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s cultural calendar, attracting millions of visitors and showcasing the creative potential of local and international talent. Al Moneef’s vision centers on positioning Riyadh as a city of light and innovation, offering an inclusive platform for artists to reimagine traditions through contemporary design.
The festival also benefits from the expertise of Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, its International Curator. A renowned figure in the art world, Dr. Cramerotti is celebrated for his innovative approach to digital and contemporary art. As director of the Media Majlis Museum in Qatar and president of the International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art, he brings decades of experience to Noor Riyadh. His work with initiatives like Art Dubai Digital and the Venice Biennale has established him as a leader in curatorial practices, ensuring the festival resonates with a global audience.
Among this year’s standout installations is SPARK, an eco-conscious light display by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. Inspired by natural light sources such as fireflies and stars, SPARK reimagines traditional fireworks by using biodegradable luminous particles that float silently in the air. Installed in Wadi Hanifah, the exhibit creates a stunning visual experience free of noise and pollution. In our interview, Roosegaarde shared his commitment to merging art and sustainability, explaining how SPARK invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of technology, nature, and human connection.
The festival also features Aether, a breathtaking drone performance by the United Visual Artists group. Using 1,500 synchronized drones, the seven-minute display transforms Riyadh’s skies into a luminous, otherworldly canvas, harmonizing light, sound, and movement. This ambitious spectacle underscores Noor Riyadh’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Through its thoughtful curation and dynamic programming, the Riyadh Light Festival continues to solidify its position as a landmark event in the global art calendar. By blending local heritage with international expertise, it not only celebrates creativity but also sparks meaningful conversations about art’s role in shaping a sustainable and interconnected world.
00:00 – 00:33 GVs, branding, guests gather for Opening Ceremony.
00:33 – 00:54 Architect Khalid Alhazani, Director, Art Riyadh
00:54 – 01:05 Nouf Al Moneef on stage, opening ceremony.
01:05 – 01:31 Aether drone show.
01:31 – 01:54 Establishing shots, festival director and curators.
01:54 – 02:22 Soundbite: Nouf Al Moneef, festival director.
02:22 – 02:41 Soundbite: Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, international curator.
02:41 – 03:03 SPARK exhibit.
03:03 – 04:02 Soundbites: Daan Roosegaarde, artist, SPARK.
04:02 – 05:51 Soundbites: Architect Khalid Alhazani, Director, Art Riyadh
English Transcript - Khalid Alhazani
04:03 - 04-14
Welcome to Noor, Noor Riyadh festival of 2024, in three locations around the city, King Abdulaziz Historical Center Jax neighborhood and Wadi Hanifa.
04:14 - 04:20
Today, we are in Wadi Hanifa characterized by creative works that blend with nature.
04:20 - 04:28
This year, more than sixty artists from eighteen countries participated, including eighteen Saudi Arabian artists.
04:28 - 04:36
Their works are characterized by diversity and consistent with the title of this year, "Light Years Apart".
04:36 - 04:49
The Noor Riyadh celebration has become a destination for artists to highlight their works of art and compete with their colleagues from around the world.
04:49 - 05:11
Therefore, Noor Riyadh festival has become a celebration that affects and is affected by the collaboration between artists. Every year we see different creations. Today, I notice a quality of works in new creative ideas using modern technology.
05:11 - 05:20
I hope that residents and visitors to Riyadh will take advantage of the opportunity because the celebration continues until December 14th.
05:20 - 05:28
A celebration that usually takes place in November of each year, for 17 days. May we celebrate the light of Riyadh.
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05:28 - 05:39
I would also like to note that we have community partnerships, we have workshops, we have discussion sessions and we have activities for all segments of society.
05:39 - 05:51
I hope that everyone benefits from them. In fact, there is diversity that covers all family members. Thank you.
6 December 2024
