Apr 08, 2026

Riwaq Art Exhibition Celebrates Creativity and Culture

Held from 2 to 4 April 2026 at KFUPM, Riwaq Art Exhibition brought together a vibrant community of students, artists, and visitors, reinforcing its role as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue on campus.

Hosted across the outdoor spaces of the campus and extended into multiple connected venues inside buildings, the exhibition delivered an integrated, large-scale experience spanning four core tracks: Visual Arts, Digital Arts, Applied Arts, and Literary Arts. Through this diverse structure, Riwaq showcased a wide range of artistic works, including traditional paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, photography, cinema, and literary contributions, all within an immersive environment designed to inspire creativity and cross-disciplinary engagement.

The event attracted over 3000 visitors, bringing together students, creatives, and cultural enthusiasts in a cohesive space that encouraged interaction, exploration, and meaningful artistic exchange.

Designed as a fully connected experience, the event featured a central “Riwaq Bridge” linking the exhibition areas with three indoor workshops, enabling a seamless flow across all event zones. The layout was further enhanced by several booths, seating areas, and interactive elements that enriched the overall visitor journey.

The program also featured a series of cultural evenings where poetry and literary sessions played a central role, transforming the space into a living cultural forum. These sessions offered a platform for poetic expression, storytelling, and spoken word, enriching the artistic atmosphere and deepening the dialogue between visual and literary arts.

Complementing the exhibition and workshops, the event hosted immersive artistic activities inspired by Saudi heritage. Each day featured a distinct theme—reading, drawing, and cinema—providing visitors with culturally rich experiences rooted in local identity.

Supported by a well-integrated spatial design and a diverse program of exhibitions, workshops, and performances, Riwaq Art Exhibition reflected KFUPM’s strong commitment to student-led initiatives, empowering students to take ownership of planning and execution while fostering creativity and cultural engagement. This approach aligns with KFUPM’s emphasis on independence and self-leadership as part of its Seven Habits framework. By bringing together art, heritage, and innovation, the event served as a platform that connected disciplines and contributed to the growing creative ecosystem within the Kingdom.