Jax District

Jax District is a cultural and artistic district that was inaugurated in 2021 in the Governorate of Diriyah in Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was developed by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to serve as a supportive platform for local talents and a reference point for culture and arts. It hosts local and international exhibitions, as well as cultural and artistic activities throughout the year.

Jax District was originally an industrial area comprising one hundred warehouses, known for its role as a logistical center for infrastructure projects in Riyadh. It was also referred to as JAX for many years before the Ministry of Culture renovated it, making it one of the pioneering cultural districts supporting arts in the Kingdom.

The renovation of the Jax District aims to support national talents, keep pace with future changes and trends, and promote cultural exchange. It serves as a magnet for artists from all regions of the Kingdom and has been equipped with exhibition spaces, art galleries, platforms, facilities, and studios for artists. This attracts artists, investors, and companies while providing opportunities for those interested in documenting the district or organizing cultural and artistic events.

On December 11, 2021, the Jax District witnessed the opening of the Diriyah Biennale for Contemporary Art titled 'Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones.' The exhibition explored several concepts, including 'crossing the river,' 'the public appearance,' and 'concerning the soul.' The exhibition featured forty works created by twenty-seven local artists and included pieces and artworks by international artists. The Exhibition was titled 'Echoes: A World Between Analog and Virtual.'

In the Jax District, the Tuwaiq International Symposium was also held as part of the 'Riyadh Art Project' under the theme 'Poetry of Place.' This event brought together twenty sculptors from various countries and included thirty workshops and an artistic seminar with the participation of local and international speakers. It hosted over four hundred students from different educational levels and institutions.

On December 13, 2021, the Ministry of Culture launched the Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition at the XP Exhibition in Jax District. The aim of the exhibition, which lasted for two days, was to engage the general public with technological ideas in an interactive photography exhibition. The event also featured an Arabic calligraphy store and live demonstrations by professional Arabic calligraphy artists, and the XP exhibition comes within the Quality of Life Program's initiatives, which support the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. This exhibition celebrated Arabic calligraphy and aimed to enhance its presence in society.

On July 14, 2022, the Ministry of Culture launched activities for the Jax Arts Festival with the support of the Quality of Life Program at the Diriyah Biennale headquarters in the Jax District. The festival offered a creative journey through its multiple stations, providing visitors with an interconnected and enjoyable artistic experience. It served as an interactive platform that brought together a wide range of activities and purposeful events aimed at showcasing the Jax District as an artistic destination and an inspiring platform for art enthusiasts and the new generation.