Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — In celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, the British Embassy in Riyadh organized an exhibition featuring the artworks of 20 Saudi women artists from Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Jazan and Abha.

The exhibition, which is curated by the local Saudi contemporary art hub - Lakum Artspace, is part of the Embassy’s project to support aspiring Saudi women artists in the early stages of their careers.

The artworks are themed on the artists’ ‘Impressions of the UK’ and are on display at Lakum Artspace in Riyadh from March 7 to 9 March. Apart from showcasing their creative works, the artists are spending three days in developing their communication and portfolio skills to build their future careers and public profiles.

Deputy British Ambassador Anna Walters inaugurated the exhibition at a VIP preview on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, she said that International Women’s Day on 8 March is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements in Saudi Arabia and around the world. “We know that many women study art, yet few get the opportunity to exhibit. Together with Lakham Artspace, we are delighted to offer these highly talented women from different corners of Saudi Arabia a platform to exhibit, raise the profile of their work and further build their skills as female artists. Supporting female empowerment and leadership, encouraging inclusion, and growing the creative industries, are all shared priorities for the UK and Saudi Vision 2030.”

Speaking at the event Neama Al-Sudairy, founding director of Lakum Artspace, said that Lakum Artspace was created to foster collaborations and empower young Saudi women, specifically artists, to have the confidence to showcase their work even at early stages. “We hear their voices, we support both established and young artists and we help get their voices to the community. We hope this collaboration will be the first of many more and Lakum Artspace takes pride in this collaboration with the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia to support women on International Women’s Day,” she added.