About the Mazra’ah Media Art Residencies

At Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) we champion the growth and exploration of New Media and Digital Art within the MENA region and beyond. Our unique residency programmes –”Mazra’ah” Art Residency Programs; New Media Arts and New Media Art Scholars – are curated to foster innovation and intellectual exchange across disciplines.

Together, these programmes unite artists, technologists and scientists in the culturally rich heart of Diriyah, offering a platform for creative and academic pursuits that intersect with New Media Art, science and technology.

What we offer

Residents receive robust support in their creative and academic endeavours, including access to advanced new media studios and technologies, and a production budget.
Work developed during the residency is showcased through exhibitions or evolves into scholarly publications, facilitated by DAF and our network of regional and international partners.
Comfortable and inspiring living spaces are provided to nurture creativity and focus.
There are several opportunities to connect with a diverse network of peers and professionals from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Our focus

Emphasising work that reflects contemporary issues within a New Media Art context, our residencies encourage creations that resonate with regional interests and global narratives. Each year, the programme focuses on new ideas and concepts, particularly those emerging from the MENA region and the Global Majority.

Participation details

Open calls:

Open Calls are published once annually for the two residency programmes. For more details on how to apply and the specifics of the programmes please see “Mazra’ah Residencies for Media Artists” (link) and “Mazra’ah Residencies for Media Art Scholars” (link) for details.

Duration: Three months for each artist and scholar in residence.

Objective: To foster innovative creative production and research that reflect a deep understanding of the MENA region’s cultural and societal dynamics within the New Media and Digital Art landscape.

Across our programming, we aim to set new global benchmarks within this dynamic field; from paradigm-shifting public exhibitions of global and regional New Media and Digital Art to our pioneering year-long Emerging New Media Artist programme, and artist and scholar residencies to lab-driven workshops and masterclasses.

Developed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, DAF is the first institution of its kind in the MENA region. We work to expand the creative ecosystem in line with Saudi Vision 2030, and transform the Kingdom into a global powerhouse of New Media Arts.

In the ever-expanding universe of emergent creativity, we are the centre. We are Diriyah Art Futures.