Saudi Prince to Build Desert Art Oasis with the Help of Sotheby’s
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Sotheby’s is in talks to work on a contemporary art program with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It is considered to be one of the highest-profile agendas of Prince Salman for his desert kingdom. He has approached the biggest auction house of the US, SothSaudi Prince to Build Desert Art Oasis with the Help of Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s is in talks to work on a contemporary art program with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It is considered to be one of the highest-profile agendas of Prince Salman for his desert kingdom. He has approached the biggest auction house of the US, Sotheby’s and the co-chairman of its fine art division, Allan Schwartzman, who achieved fame and success after he created an arts dreamland in the Brazilian jungle for a mining magnate. This Saudi cultural center is expected to take root in Al-Ula, an archaeologically rich region in the northwest of the country. The place is famous for the formerly nomadic tribe of skilled craftsman and traders, the Nabateans, who carved elaborate buildings out of sandstone more than 2,000 years ago. The area also includes Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mada’in Salih. A spokeswoman for the royal commission, Rosie Marsh, said in a statement that their collaboration with Sotheby’s for the project is still in its “exploratory phase.” Sotheby’s states: “Like many organizations and individuals, we are extremely concerned about recent events and unreservedly condemn acts of violence against all persons. An active dialogue is underway internally about this project, as there is about all potential initiatives and partnerships the company considers.” According to a report, the auction house has invited more than a dozen artists to submit proposals and five of these artists even visited the site in October. In a proposal, Sotheby’s said: “The artists will be asked to dream their biggest dream and envisage a project which may or may not be realized, but will represent the ultimate expression of them as an artist.” According to the organization’s website, the project is in its initial phase as the strategic planning is still underway and it will take at least six to nine months for a master plan to be formed completely. Once the plan is approved, the actual infrastructure construction will follow and it would take approximately three to five years. The website also states, “Infrastructure and facilities must be created for visitors to experience the world-class cultural experiences that Al-Ula deserves.” Commenting on the project, a spokesperson said: “Central to the vision for this future development is local, regional and international access to the remarkable human and natural heritage of Al-Ula. Interpretations through contemporary art is just one direction being explored.”https://www.blouinartinfo.com/ Founder: Louise Blouin Read more