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JEDDAH: The first edition of Salon des Arts took place at the French Residence in Jeddah on Wednesday evening, bringing together art, music and conversation between Saudi and French artists.

The program featured live performances and visual studies that reflected the spirit of cultural exchange and highlighted the growing cultural cooperation between France and ����ֱ��.

During the evening, the French Consulate in Jeddah announced the creation of a new community of former artists-in-residence at the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris, an initiative supported by Saudi artists Zahra Bundakji and Danah Qari. The event also featured Saudi artists including Joud Fahmy, Zahiyah Al-Raddadi, Bricklab and Nour Gary.

French Consul General in Jeddah Mohamed Nehad said: “Many of the Saudi artists here have previously stayed in France as part of the residency program, which I like to compare to a startup cocoon, a space that equips artists with new tools, connects them with others around the world, and helps them grow and refine their skills.

“Gatherings like this are essential to reconnect with these artists, showcase their work at the Residence of France, and strengthen their ties with one another. The spirit of France has always been about connecting French artists with local talent to create together, to blend French and Saudi flavors, and to build something meaningful that reflects both cultures.”

He added: “The Saudi art scene today is incredibly young and full of energy. These artists inspire and energize us with their brilliant ideas, refilling our creative energy every time we meet.” 

Cultural attache Quentin Richard described the event as a reflection of the ongoing artistic dialogue between both countries, saying: “The artistic residencies at the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris and here in Jeddah illustrate the vitality of the dialogue between French and Saudi artists. They foster a dynamic of exchange built on creativity, mutual respect, and the shared discovery of our cultures.”

French group Oriki, whose members include Woz Kaly, Yann Saletes, Mourad Baitiche, Michel Teyssier and Khaled Baitiche, currently in residence at Hayy Cinema in collaboration with Saudi artist Salma Murad, also took part in the event.

New artistic residencies are set to begin in December in partnership with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum and Athr Gallery.

Oriki vocalist Woz Kaly said: “Between the first visit and now, there’s an emotional connection to the territory, the community, and the artists. As long as there’s that emotional bond, you can create everything through art. During the event, we performed three songs that form part of our cine-concert project, each inspired by a different film scene.

“Even without the screen, the idea is for the audience to imagine the story through the music and connect with its emotion. It’s a preview of what we’ve been developing since arriving in Jeddah.”

For Bundakji, Salon des Arts offered the public a rare glimpse into the creative process itself.

“People know about the artist in the studio, but they never see what happens in there. They don’t see the research, they don’t see the ideas, they don’t see the experiments, the failures,” she said, adding the event allowed visitors to engage with the artistic process directly.

“Between that studio and that final work is a big space that’s where we can meet each other, share our ideas, that’s where friendships happen, that’s where community happens. I believe that is life itself, where people connect, where people talk about art, where we’re getting to know each other face to face, not just you seeing my work and my name on a title,” she explained.

She described the evening as a space where visitors could touch and experience the research behind each work, “a slice from everyone’s studio practice.”

Qari said: “I think it’s a beautiful space for people to come together and actually have a conversation about the life that imitates the art which imitates life. We all see each other’s work in exhibition, but we don’t really get to know what are the feelings behind these works.”

She added: “Whatever we create comes from something in our lives. It comes from stories, it comes from feelings, it comes from dreams, fears, failures. “It’s an intimate opportunity to create a genuine connection between people and inspire each other. Use other people’s creations as muse to what we’re going through, to know you’re not alone. Isn’t that the point of art and poetry, after all?”