Saudi Art Council announces the 7th edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts set to open on January 28th, 2020

Entitled I LOVE YOU, URGENTLY, the 7th edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts is a call to action in response to the environmental emergency from the specificity of a local context. At a time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation, it asks local and international artists, architects, designers and thinkers to seek out tangible solutions, and to formulate alternative and symbiotic ways to inhabit our planet.

“The title is an unexpected address. As it departs from the scientific vernacular, it emphasizes the highly personal dynamics we are living today,” said Maya El Khalil, curator of the 7th edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts.

She added that through exhibitions, commissions and a series of dialogues, talks and debates taking place in the gallery spaces of the Saudi Art Council and in Al-Balad, the historic city center of Jeddah, participants are invited to address three specific themes: ideas of biomimicry, the imitation of the models, systems and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems, of adaptability, and of specificity, how to think of alternative and symbiotic ways to inhabit our planet from a local context. 

21,39 Jeddah Arts aims to directly engage its public with the environmental and sustainability dialogues currently taking place internationally, while encouraging an understanding of these debates within a local context and urging active new responses. “Crucially, young people sit at the core of this ambition, and the 7th edition will continue building on the work by the Saudi Art Council to fill a demand gap in the artistic education across Saudi Arabia,” El Khalil pointed out. 

Ali Janoudi, Vice-Chairman of the Board, UBS Saudi Arabia, said, “UBS is proud to be sponsoring 21,39 Jeddah Arts for the sixth year, supporting the development of local and regional artistic talent through our ongoing partnership with the Saudi Art Council. This edition’s focus on environmental issues and sustainability is close to our hearts, as one of the leading banks in sustainable investing. Sustainability is a priority for our clients and for us, which is reflected by our global #TOGETHERBAND campaign, raising awareness of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Alessandro Maffi, Van Cleef & Arpels Managing Director Middle East and India, said, “we are delighted to participate in such a significant event with an honorable cause. We have been an ardent supporter of the arts and this is our 5th year as a partner with the Saudi Art Council. The 7th edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts is a great platform that allows us the freedom to express the Maison’s fine jewelry and tell our story to all. Our participation at the 2020 edition of 21, 39 Jeddah Arts further highlights the Maison’s legitimacy in supporting art and design scene of Saudi Arabia.”

“The city of Jeddah has long been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene, and we are excited to bring creative responses to environmental concerns to the table with the 7th edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts. As a culturally rich melting pot, Jeddah is a place of exchange for new ideas, and we look forward to presenting a multifaceted program that we hope will be the springboard for dialogue between local and international artists and audiences, and which will give voice to young people through an extensive educational outreach program,” said HRH Princess Jawaher bint Majed bin Abdulaziz, Chairwoman of the Saudi Art Council

The 7th edition of Jeddah Art 21,39 is made possible by the support and sponsorship of Al Mansouria Foundation, UBS and Van Cleef & Arpels.