The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has achieved a global art milestone, receiving an esteemed medal at Art Basel Awards 2026, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In recognition of its pivotal role as a key platform for regional artistic development, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation was named an Art Basel medal laureate for the Museum and Institution category.
The prestigious award is a strong testament to the Foundation’s distinguished contribution to contemporary and Islamic arts on a global scale.
On this occasion, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation Aya Al-Bakree emphasized that this recognition is the outcome of the Foundation’s commitment to connecting artists, communities, and ideas from around the world.
“This award affirms that Saudi Arabia has a vital role to play in the global cultural conversation,” Al-Bakree said in a press release.
The Art Basel Awards, first launched in 2025, stand as the inaugural global platform designed to celebrate exceptional achievement throughout the contemporary art landscape. Winners are selected according to four main criteria: vision and innovation, skill and execution, engagement, and broader impact.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdulah bin Farhan founded and chaired the Diriyah Biennale Foundation in 2020. Since then, the Foundation has cemented its role in the international cultural landscape, demonstrating an unparalleled transformative potential.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation hosts a yearly rotation of its two flagship events, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Diriyah and the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah.
Furthermore, it oversees the development of the JAX creative district, advancing cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and the world.
In its third edition, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is taking place under the theme “In Interludes and Transitions,” welcoming visitors until May 2, 2026.
