Athr is a contemporary art platform and gallery which since 2009 has enabled artistic dialogue between contemporary artists across the world. Based in Jeddah, Athr provides a creative environment for artists and showcases an exhibition schedule of international and Saudi contemporary art, supported by extensive public programs aimed at encouraging engagement with local audiences. The gallery’s pro
-active approach has ensured the past 6 years have been about education, development, growth, exposure and connectivity. This has led to a number of international participations at Art Basel Honk Kong, [2015], FIAC [2014], and Paris Photo [2014], as well as co-collaborated shows such as Common Grounds, Museum Villa Stuck [2015], and The Invisible Landscape & Concrete Futures, Hazem Harb’s Solo Exhibition at Salsali Private Museum, Dubai [2015]. A comprehensive local programme that includes exhibitions such as Triplicity [2015], which included the international artists Joseph Albers, Patrick Hughes, Timo Nasseri, Aakash Nihalani, and The Language of Human Consciousness [2014], which included the artists: Monir Farmanfarmaian, Joseph Albers, and Gebran Tarazi, and Young Saudi Artists, a platform that discovers and develops local Saudi talent. Education workshops and talks led by the likes of Richard Deacon, Rasheed Araeen, Chris Dercon, Giovanna Castiglioni, and Architects Association in collaboration with Effat University, and the commissioning of original publications; for example, I am Anything, I am Everything by Ayman Yossri
Athr has also played an instrumental role in helping set up the Saudi Art Council and bringing to life the 21, 39 Jeddah Art Week.
