Are you ready to embark on a journey of light and wonder? If you’re a fan of all things artistic and innovative, then you won’t want to miss out on Noor Riyadh, a magnificent light festival that takes place in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital city. For several weeks each year, Riyadh transforms into a dazzling display of light and sound, featuring mesmerizing installations and exhibitions that showcase the best of contemporary art and technology.
Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler, Noor Riyadh offers an unforgettable experience that will inspire you. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the festival’s most captivating highlights, revealing the secrets behind its spectacular displays and sharing tips for making the most of your visit. So, let’s get ready to immerse ourselves in the illuminating wonders of Noor Riyadh!
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What is Noor Riyadh?
Noor Riyadh is an enchanting annual festival that celebrates the magical interplay of light and art. This spectacular event is a tribute to the creative talents of the local community, who come together to create a mesmerizing display of light installations, interactive art pieces, and immersive experiences that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination.
Founded by the visionary His Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Noor Riyadh is part of the Riyadh Art Initiative, a bold and ambitious project aimed at transforming the city into a vibrant hub of culture and creativity. As one of the four flagship initiatives of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City for Vision 2030, Noor Riyadh is a testament to the city’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for art, innovation, and technology.
The first edition of Noor Riyadh, which took place in 2021, was a resounding success, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience the magic of light and art. From towering light sculptures that illuminated the city’s skyline to interactive installations that invited visitors to become part of the artwork, the festival showcased the diversity and richness of the local artistic community.
Noor Riyadh is not just an event; it is a celebration of the human spirit and our innate desire to create, innovate, and connect with one another. It is a platform that brings together artists, designers, and technologists to collaborate and push the boundaries of what is possible with light and art.
When was the first edition of the festival?
In 2021, the first edition of the grand event took place in the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. It was an exciting and momentous occasion, held at two locations that held a great deal of significance for the people of Saudi Arabia – the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in AlMurabba and the King Abdullah Financial District. Both these venues had been carefully selected to serve as the perfect backdrop for a festival that promised to be nothing short of spectacular.
The festival’s theme for the year was “Under One Sky,” and it was designed to celebrate the human impulse to gaze at lights. This theme was chosen with great care, as it sought to bring people together from all walks of life to marvel at the beauty of light and the endless possibilities it presented. The festival organizers hoped that it would help foster a sense of community and unity among the people of Saudi Arabia.
The festival was a grand affair, with dazzling lights illuminating the sky at both venues. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center was bathed in a rainbow of colors, with the mesmerizing lights bouncing off the walls of the ancient buildings. The King Abdullah Financial District was equally impressive, with the futuristic skyscrapers serving as the perfect canvas for the light show.
As the festival got underway, people from all corners of the city flocked to the two venues, eager to be part of this unique and awe-inspiring experience. The festival organizers had thought of everything, and there was something for everyone. From food stalls serving up delicious local cuisine to live music performances, the festival had something for all age groups.
As the night drew on, the lights became even more dazzling, and the sense of community and unity among the festival-goers grew stronger. The festival had achieved its objective of bringing people together under one sky, and it was a momentous occasion that would be remembered for years to come.
The Star In Motion video showcases a magnificent piece of light art designed by Koert Vermeulen and ACT Lighting Design for the Noor Riyadh Festival of Light & Art in Brussels, Belgium. This unique art piece is 6.2m wide and weighs an impressive five tonnes, sitting at a breathtaking height of 257 meters above ground level in the void of Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower. The Star In Motion highlights the 2021 Noor Riyadh theme, “Under One Sky.”
The video takes viewers on an incredible journey, explaining the complex process involved in bringing the Star In Motion to life. Produced in Belgium, the piece was flown to Saudi Arabia in 317 parts and brought up the Kingdom Tower in a lift. The final two floors were traversed by hand, and the star was winched up using shipping industry-standard rigging. The Star In Motion is made of 520 linear meters of LED strips and 16 moving heads, boasting an impressive total of 1.2 million Lumens.
The video showcases the intricate design and stunning effects of the Star In Motion. Subtle light effects occur every 15 minutes, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of stars in the night sky, effectively acting as a clock for the entire city. The Star In Motion is a breathtaking spectacle that symbolizes the unity of people under one sky. This video will leave you in awe of the impressive feat of engineering, the stunning design, and the sheer magnitude of the Star In Motion.
When is Noor Riyadh 2023 happening?
As of this writing, no official information has been provided as to when Noor Riyadh 2023 will be happening. However, if the festival follows the same pattern as previous years, it is possible that it could take place around the same time in November 2023.
One of the highlights of 2022’s festival is the exhibition titled “From Spark to Spirit,” which showcases a collection of stunning light and art installations that are sure to captivate the imagination of visitors. This exhibition has been extended due to popular demand, and visitors can continue to experience the breathtaking installations until March 10, 2023.
The above video showcases Riyadh Art, a national public art initiative transforming Riyadh into an open-air gallery that celebrates the power of light and creativity in the digital age. The Riyadh Art Exhibition is a stunning tribute to light’s role in our existence and how it shapes our relationship with the world around us.
Titled “From Spark to Spirit,” the exhibition takes visitors on a captivating journey exploring light’s many dimensions. The video shows visitors being transported to a world where light takes on new meanings, where it is not just illumination but a symbol of change and progress.
Where will the festival take place?
With an impressive lineup of events and installations, this year’s festival takes place at four main locations, including Al-Kindi Plaza, Salam Park, King Abdullah Financial District, and JAX Diriyah. However, the festivities won’t be limited to just these locations. In fact, visitors can expect to see activations in a staggering 40 locations across the capital, making it easier than ever to get involved and experience the magic of the Noor Riyadh festival.
Each festival location will offer a unique experience, with awe-inspiring installations and activities for all ages. From light displays that will take your breath away to interactive installations that encourage visitors to get creative and engage with the art, there’s something for everyone at the Noor Riyadh festival.
The festival promises to be a celebration of light, creativity, and innovation, bringing together some of the world’s most talented artists and creatives to showcase their work. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, the Noor Riyadh festival is an event not to be missed. Get ready to be dazzled, inspired, and transported to another world as you immerse yourself in the magic of this incredible festival.
Events
The festival hosts a multitude of different events, including concerts, art exhibitions, workshops and interactive installations. There’s something for everyone at the Noor Riyadh festival. The festival promises to be a celebration of light, creativity and innovation, bringing together some of the world’s most talented artists and creatives to showcase their work. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, the Noor Riyadh festival is an event not to be missed. Here are some of the program highlights:
Noor Riyadh
Noor Riyadh 2022 is a massive festival of light and art, featuring over 190 artworks and over 500 activities across 40 locations and five main hubs in Riyadh from November 3 to 19. This year’s theme is ‘We Dream of New Horizons,’ The festival will showcase work from more than 130 artists from 40 countries, including over a third of Saudi Arabian artists.
The festival aims to inspire and nurture local talent and drive Saudi Arabia’s creative economy. Monumental and site-specific artworks will be showcased, including at least 90 new commissions created specifically for this year’s edition.
The festival also features spectacular artist-led presentations, such as a nightly laser show called Pulse of Light and a drone show featuring 2,000 drones. In addition, a comprehensive public program of over 500 events, ranging from tours to talks, workshops, family activities, volunteering programs, and live music was showcased. Finally, Noor Riyadh held an online charity auction featuring artwork from four major Saudi artists, with proceeds going towards benefiting the charities’ art programs.
Tuwaiq Sculpture
Tuwaiq Sculpture is an annual sculpture symposium that brings together local and international artists to create public artworks in a live setting. The symposium engages diverse communities through workshops, school visits, and talks, culminating in an on-site exhibition. The sculptures enrich the Riyadh Art collection and become a permanent feature of the city’s urban fabric.
Tuwaiq Sculpture is a significant contributor to the goal of commissioning 1,000 public artworks to be displayed across the city, and the open format allows the public to observe the creative process and participate in workshops. Since its inception in 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture has engaged over 90 internationally renowned sculptors and thousands of visitors.
The video showcases the live sculpting process at Tuwaiq Sculpture on Day 20 of the symposium. The platform brings together local and international artists to collaborate and create large-scale public artworks in a live setting. The open format of the symposium allows the public to observe the creative process and participate in interactive workshops, contributing to the enrichment of the cultural scene in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Noor Riyadh take place in 2022?
Noor Riyadh took place from November 3 to 19, 2022, across 40 locations and five main hubs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
2. What is the theme of Noor Riyadh 2022?
The theme of Noor Riyadh 2022 is “We Dream of New Horizons.”
3. How many artists and artworks will be featured in Noor Riyadh?
Noor Riyadh will feature the work of over 130 artists from 40 countries, with more than 190 artworks on display, including at least 90 new commissions created specifically for the latest edition.
4. What activities can visitors expect at Noor Riyadh 2022?
Visitors can expect a comprehensive public program of over 500 events, including tours, talks, workshops, family activities, volunteering programs, and live music. They can also experience monumental and site-specific artworks, such as video projections, light sculptures, drone shows, and an exhibition exploring the history of light art as a medium. Additionally, a charity auction will feature major Saudi artists’ artworks to benefit various art programs.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Noor Riyadh light festival that will leave you spellbound with its mesmerizing displays of contemporary art and technology. This festival offers a unique chance to experience the capital city of Saudi Arabia in a new and innovative light. Whether you are a resident of Riyadh or a visitor, Noor Riyadh will transport you to a world of wonder and amazement. So, grab your camera, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of light and inspiration with Noor Riyadh!
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