In late September 2025, ten leading Saudi artists, curators, and cultural professionals embarked on a creative journey to Scotland, the first edition of the Art Bridges 2025–26 international programme launched by Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission, in collaboration with the British Council.
Over six days, the delegation explored Scotland’s vibrant visual-arts landscape, travelling across Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, and the Isle of Bute. The programme offered participants a rich introduction to Scotland’s cultural ecosystem and opportunities to connect with peers across leading institutions such as Tramway, The Glasgow School of Art, Street Level Photoworks, The Burrell Collection, Cove Park, Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), and the V&A Dundee.
Learning through exchange
From the first day in Glasgow, the delegation experienced the depth of Scotland’s artistic heritage and its forward-looking spirit. Meetings with curators and cultural leaders explored how Scottish arts organisations balance tradition with innovation.
At Tramway, Senior Curator Claire Jackson led discussions on how contemporary art can engage communities and respond to social issues, themes that resonated strongly with the Saudi participants, many of whom work on socially engaged projects at home.
At the Burrell Collection, conversations with Glasgow Life representatives highlighted how sustainability and heritage coexist in museum practice, sparking reflections on how similar approaches could be adapted in Saudi Arabia’s growing museum sector.
In Dundee, visits to DCA and the V&A Dundee revealed how design and creativity drive regeneration and civic pride, echoing Saudi Arabia’s vision for building creative cities and cultural districts.
Immersion in creativity
Beyond Scotland’s cities, the group explored the country’s rural artistic landscape at Cove Park, an artist-residency centre overlooking Loch Long. The tranquil setting encouraged open conversations about artistic process, collaboration, and sustainability, reminding participants that inspiration often begins in nature.
The journey concluded on the Isle of Bute, with a visit to Mount Stuart House, where art, history, and architecture intertwine. Surrounded by the island’s natural beauty, the group reflected on the week’s experiences and the creative links forged between both countries.
Collaboration at the heart
The success of Art Bridges, Scotland reflects the close partnership between the Visual Arts Commission, British Council Scotland, and Alserkal Advisory, who together shaped an itinerary blending professional learning with cultural immersion.
For the Saudi participants, the week offered valuable insights into how Scotland’s institutions support artists, foster inclusion, and build sustainable creative economies. For their Scottish hosts, it was an opportunity to discover Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving visual-arts scene, one that values experimentation, diversity, and dialogue.
As Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, noted:
“This is an opportunity to learn, to inspire, and to exchange ideas that strengthen the Saudi visual-arts ecosystem, representing our rich contemporary scene abroad and building long-term connections.”
Looking ahead
The Scotland edition has already begun to deliver on that promise. Participants returned home with new networks, ideas, and perspectives, and with a shared commitment to deepening collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UK. Plans are already underway to welcome Scottish artists and curators to Saudi Arabia in 2026, continuing the dialogue that began along Scotland’s cobblestone streets and coastal landscapes.
Art Bridges is more than a cultural visit; it is a growing community of practice connecting artists across continents. By fostering creative exchange and mutual understanding, the programme stands as a testament to the power of art to build bridges, not only between places, but between people.
