# Inaugural Cultural Arts Festivals Sumayya Vally Curates the Inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale By Elena Rahman | Published 2022-04-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/islamic-arts-biennale References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/26/sumayya-vally-curator-islamic-arts-biennale/) & [biennialfoundation.org](https://biennialfoundation.org/biennials/diriyah-biennale/)  The Islamic Arts Biennale is set to take place in December 2023. Curated by Sumayya Vally, a South African architect, the inaugural event will occur in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is organized by Diriyah Biennale Foundation and integrates Jedda's [cultural heritage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saka-museum). According to Vally, "the location has so much embodied meaning that speaks to both communal and individual experience." The event celebrates [Islamic art and culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intercontinental-maldives). It also explores spirituality and aims to encourage visitors to demystify the Islamic religion and culture. Official dates for the Islamic Arts Biennale are yet to be announced; however, participants are preparing for a December 2023 date. The arts festival comes as Saudi Arabia further develops its cultural output and international tourism. Image Credit: Sumayya Vally ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Islamic Arts Biennale:** There is an opportunity for artists to showcase their work and for Saudi Arabia to become a destination for art lovers from all over the world. - **Cultural Engagement:** This trend allows businesses to promote international understanding while expanding their market and creating new revenue streams. - **Religious and Cultural Tourism:** Businesses can capitalize on this by providing tailored services that cater to the needs of religious and cultural tourists, potentially leading to increased tourism revenue. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Arts and Culture:** By hosting cultural events like the Islamic Arts Biennale, art organizations can foster intercultural exchange while increasing their audience base. - **Tourism:** The growing trend of religious and cultural tourism presents opportunities for tourism companies to develop specialized offers for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. - **Event Management:** Event planners can leverage cultural experiences like the Islamic Arts Biennale to create unique events that appeal to a diverse group of individuals looking to explore and learn about different cultures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mosque-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/islamic-arts-biennale1.md) - [High-Profile Contemporary Art Biennales](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/de-renava.md) - [Reconfigurable Gathering Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-the-assembly-of-lovers.md) - [Exclusive Art-Inspired Dining Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinner-of-the-year.md) - [Afro-Canadian Cultural Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuumba-2024.md) - [Bi-Annual African Cocktail Festivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocktail-and-spirits-festival.md) - [Regional Arts Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-open-art.md) - [Regional Art Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-gallery-in-the-uae.md) - [Design-Driven Group Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icons-of-tomorrow.md)