Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, has announced the launch of Art Bridges 2025-2026, an international initiative aimed at fostering global cultural exchange. The program includes four professional tracks designed to support Saudi and Saudi-based visual artists, cultural practitioners, and creative professionals in participating in international exchanges and career development opportunities abroad.
“These professional programs offer Saudi and Saudi-based cultural practitioners a unique opportunity to share their creative voices with the world, reflecting the depth and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s artistic landscape,” noted Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, in the opening press release.
The first program, in collaboration with the British Council Scotland will take place in Scotland (Sept. 22-27). Additional programs will be held in Japan (Oct. 31-Nov. 7), South Korea (Nov. 19-27) and Spain (March 2-9, 2026). Applications for these three programs opened on Aug. 13. The application window for Japan will close on Aug. 21, while applications for South Korea and Spain will remain open until Aug. 31.
Each Art Bridges program is created according to the distinct cultural and creative context of its destination, with the participation of cultural centers, museums, galleries, artists’ studios, and local and international thought leaders.
Thematic focuses for the 2025-2026 programs include Japan, with the theme Art and the Environment, exploring how artists and art practitioners respond to urban, natural and traditional surroundings through specific material and natural surroundings; South Korea, where the theme Identity through Art and Community examines grassroots cultural movements, collaborative platforms and spaces, and artist-led spaces; and Spain, with the thematic focus on Heritage and Collectivism, delving into how heritage and society converge in historic cultural spaces.
Applicants must be over 21 years of age, have a minimum of five years of professional experience in their field, and present a strong portfolio demonstrating their contributions to the cultural sector.
Dates: Sept. 22 to March 9
Location: Various
Find more information here.