AlUla offers ‘fertile ground’ for inspiration, says contemporary artist Tarek Atoui

Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of AlUla offers “fertile ground” for creativity, where the unique interplay of natural landscapes, rich history, and community provides endless inspiration, renowned contemporary artist and composer Tarek Atoui said in an interview.

The Lebanese artist unveiled his latest work, Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House), on January 16 at the opening of the AlUla Arts Festival.

The public concert performance offered a glimpse into his ongoing collaboration with the contemporary art museum in AlUla and saw the direct participation of school children from the local community.

In a unique synergy, the artist, musician and composer Toma Gouband, and the students performed a contemporary art piece that drew inspiration from the sounds of the ancient city – with some even using rocks found in AlUla to create beats.

“The performance was inspired by two things,” Atoui said. “The geology of AlUla – the stones I heard on my first visit, the wind blowing through natural corridors and tombs – and then the people, who were extremely important to me. I’m always interested not only in the past of places but also in their present and the reality of the people who inhabit them.”

Atoui’s approach to AlUla extends beyond its historical significance.

He expressed his fascination with its social evolution, especially as it transforms into a hub for music education and artistic expression.

“The history of AlUla from a social point of view was, for me, very intriguing. You see a place that gets discovered, that opens up, and where music schools start, where art education flows,” he said.

“And for me, it was very nice ground to start an experiment on and it turned out to be a very fertile ground,” he added, highlighting the openness he encountered in local schools and the Music Academy.

Whether working with children who embraced experimental sound or older musicians exploring improvisation, Atoui found their enthusiasm and acceptance deeply refreshing.

“The open-mindedness I encountered, from kids in schools who really enjoyed, and embraced, conceptual sound ideas and new sounds and experimental sounds, to older musicians studying at the Music Academy who enjoyed improvisation – it was very touching.”

Long-term collaboration

His current project in AlUla marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration with the city’s contemporary art museum, spanning three years.

The Royal Commission for AlUla and leading French cultural institution the Centre Pompidou in 2023 signed an agreement to develop a contemporary art museum that is set to open in 2027.

The new institution will serve as a center for regional and global 21st-century art and provide a platform for Arab artists.

For Atoui, this extended engagement allows for a deeper, more organic connection with the region and its community.

“It didn’t feel natural to impose my intentions on the place,” he said.

“Instead, I let the place guide me in what work to create, allowing this experiment and interaction to evolve over time.”

A hallmark of Atoui’s process has been his playful and inclusive approach to sound.

“We introduced these strange instruments in a fun, organic way, saying, ‘Try them yourself!’” he told Al Arabiya English.

By inviting participants to explore natural elements and collaborate on improvised sound pieces, he built a bridge between contemporary music concepts and the community.

“It was like water finding its way between the cracks of rocks – letting challenging ideas gently take root.”

What excites Atoui most is the duration and depth of his work in AlUla, he said in the interview.

Unlike traditional solo exhibitions or biennales, which are often constrained by time, this project unfolds in chapters, allowing for continuous evolution.

“It’s very rare to be given so much time to create something significant and meaningful in your artistic life,” he remarked.

Atoui said his journey in AlUla is not just about creating art but fostering a dynamic exchange between nature, people, and sound.

His work exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration, curiosity, and the willingness to let a place shape the art it inspires.

The AlUla Arts Festival will run until February 22 and promises a vibrant program of performances, exhibitions and activities highlighting the best of local, regional, and global art.

The festival has been central in positioning the Kingdom as a pioneer in the global arts scene and transforming the ancient city into a creative hub.