The facade of the Ritz-Carlton, in Riyadh, was lit up in neon on Friday evening for a press conference with the Saudi Tourism Authority. A representative from the Ministry of Tourism has announced the kingdom’s first free speech art award, presented in partnership with banking giant HSBC and pizza chain Papa John’s, which is set to open its eighth location in the country — his first in the oasis town of Al-‘Ula — this summer.
The prize awards an artist 3,753,760 Saudi Riyals (approximately $1 million). There are no restrictions on how the artist can spend the money except that they cannot use it to criticize Saudi Arabia in any way. The Freedom of Expression Art Prize also includes a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and an official state banquet in honor of the winner. After dinner, they will be treated to a private concert by Beyoncé. Artists with less than 1 million Instagram followers are not encouraged to apply.
“We realize that Saudi Arabia has a branding problem,” said a spokesperson for the Saudi Tourism Authority. Hyperallergic. “Although we have the sad reputation of being a regime that commits some of the worst human rights violations on earth, we want the kingdom to be seen as an international destination for art and culture.”
Kanye West, Roman Polanski and Carl Andre are among the artists shortlisted for the award.
“Honoring such accomplished artists would help us send the message to the world that Saudi Arabia has entered a new modern era for luxury tourists and business people,” the spokesperson said.
Editor’s note, 04/01/2023: We misunderstood one aspect of the prize – the winner will be allowed to attend a five-minute zoom with Beyoncé, not attend a private concert. We regret the error.
