A series of new public art installations has been introduced at Lake Al-Arbaeen in Historic Jeddah as part of a cultural initiative led by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Jeddah Municipality. The initiative brings 14 international sculptures to the area, integrating them into the urban landscape around the lake.
The project is part of an effort to incorporate public art into the city’s historic environment and to promote cultural engagement through accessible, outdoor spaces. According to the organizers, the installations aim to create a visual link between the area’s architectural heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
A Global Installation
Among the works on display are pieces by well-known international artists. These include “The Illusion of the Second Cube” by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely, “Rouge” and “Flexibility of Balance” by Alexander Calder, “Circular Mass” by Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro, “The Bird” by Spanish artist Joan Miró, and “Giving and Receiving Love” by Lorenzo Quinn. The artworks are positioned around the lake in ways that interact with both the natural setting and surrounding structures.
The project is intended to support the transformation of Historic Jeddah into a destination for cultural experiences. The area, recognized for its traditional architecture and historical significance, is undergoing ongoing revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its character while introducing new forms of public engagement.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the installation of sculptures at Lake Al-Arbaeen contributes to a broader strategy to expand the role of public art in Saudi cities. This includes making visual art more accessible and increasing awareness of its role in shaping the built environment.
The initiative also supports the goal of fostering collaboration between cultural institutions and municipal authorities. By placing artworks in everyday public settings, the project encourages both residents and visitors to interact with art in non-traditional spaces.
The sculptures remain open to the public and are positioned in areas that allow for easy access and viewing. While the installations come from international artists, they are curated in a way that reflects the site’s local context and visual heritage.
Lake Al-Arbaeen’s new artworks are part of a wider effort to include contemporary art in the development of urban identity. The organizers state that this approach allows for a connection between past and present, and reflects the broader transformation of public space within the city of Jeddah.
Comments (0)