Crossing Boundaries
The studio’s work in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Al Ula and Al Balad aimed to integrate the local artistic community with the international one. The focus was both immediate and long-term via evidence-based intensive strategy to build a local creative community that attracts global engagement, complemented by immediate projects like commissioning works from world-renowned artists and curating festivals as foundational elements.
Selected Projects: Al Balad
Artist Catalogue
The studio created an artist catalogue for Al Balad that integrated our extensive network of international and local artists with the client’s evolving creative vision. Such catalogues serve as inspiration for both immediate activations and permanent installations, providing a starting point to drive the vision through a cohesive curatorial strategy rooted in artist involvement.
Curatorial Concept
The restoration of Jeddah’s old district aims to elevate its historical significance and transform it into a global cultural destination while fostering economic and creative development. Studio Römer’s concept integrated cultural disciplines, improved infrastructure, and created vibrant spaces, attracting talents and visitors worldwide to build an innovative community rooted in the district’s unique history and local creativity.
Curatorial Strategy
To inform the curatorial strategy, Studio Römer held multiple workshops to facilitate presentations, intensive discussions, and collaborations with local experts and clients. Additional sessions included talks with cross-disciplinary artists about their ethos, to ensure cultural alignment with the long-term strategic vision and overall goals.
Cultural Masterplanning
The team conducted site visits and location scouting, to fully comprehend the current status and overall planning for the locations. We explored how contemporary and innovative art can enhance these areas and outlined strategies for creating generative public spaces that evolve to meet the needs of creative communities.
Selected Projects: Al Ula
Artwork placement for Al Ula Arts Festival
Carmen Herrera
Curatorial vision for Hijaz Station
Artwork selection
Elizabeth Turk
Artist selection for Al Ula Arts District
Artwork selection for Arts District
Yuri Suzuki with his artwork Sonic Boom
