Cultural Exchange Programs to link Saudi Artists with Scotland, Japan, South Korea, and Spain

Dubai, UAE: The Visual Arts Commission (VAC) is all set to expand the horizons of Saudi and Saudi-based artists with the launch of its new Art Bridges initiative. New cultural exchange program will connect cultural practitioners in Saudi with artistic communities in Scotland, Japan, South Korea, and Spain.

The initiative will offer unique opportunities for international collaboration and professional growth of the artists.

Designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and showcase the depth of Saudi Arabia’s creative scene, the Art Bridges programs will kick off in Scotland from September 22-27, 2025. This will be followed by programs in Japan from October 31–November 7, 2025, South Korea from November 19–27, 2025, and Spain from March 2–9, 2026. Applications for the Japan, South Korea, and Spain programs open on August 13, 2025.

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, emphasised the initiative's core mission. "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," she commented.

Each program is uniquely tailored to its host country, offering participants a deep dive into the local art scene. In Japan, the focus will be on Art and the Environment, exploring how artists interact with natural, urban, and traditional spaces. The South Korea program will examine Identity through Art and Community, looking at grassroots movements and artist-led spaces. In Spain, the initiative will highlight Heritage and Collectivism, showcasing how collective practice and social purpose merge in both historic and contemporary art.

Participants will have the chance to engage directly with local thought-leaders, visit museums, galleries, and studios, and take part in workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. These experiences are designed to strengthen professional expertise and build lasting international networks.

To be eligible, applicants must be over 21, have at least five years of professional experience in their field, and be proficient in English. The Art Bridges initiative is a key part of the Visual Arts Commission’s mission to cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem and build international partnerships that give Saudi artists a more prominent voice on the global stage.