Sindbad Collective’s latest mobile art show is about platforming everyone

Founded in 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by an eclectic group of creatives, SINDBAD Collective’s mission has been to create a new platform in the Gulf to make art more accessible, egalitarian and unorthodox. With the fourth edition of their mobile exhibition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!” currently underway, they are closer than ever to fulfilling this mission. Taking artworks on a roadshow from Jeddah to Riyadh, Khobar, and Bahrain, this innovative concept is blending art, research, and community, challenging the traditional gallery format and redefining the art scene in the region could be like.

“For us, SINDBAD is about providing a platform for all artists, offering a level playing field where everyone’s voice matters,” shares Ahaad Alamoudi, one of the collective’s founders. “This year, we pushed ourselves to take it a step further—physically traveling between cities and bringing the artwork to the people.”

In each stop, the collective hosts pop-up exhibitions, car meets, open mic sessions, and collaborations with local art spaces, including Lamaat in Riyadh, Bohemia in Khobar, and Riwaq Art Space in Bahrain. “We’re trying to get out of the white cube and see what an art space can really be,” Alamoudi shares, explaining why they opted for a moving exhibition rather than a fixed gallery.

One of the standout features of SINDBAD: On the Road! is the sheer openness of the process. There are no selection criteria for artists—the exhibition evolves organically, with anyone who submits work being included. “It’s wild to see how the exhibition takes shape. Each artist contributes to the collective experience,” says Alamoudi. This inclusive approach helps break down barriers and engage diverse voices, reflecting the rapidly evolving art scene in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

The final stop on February 20th will see all collected works showcased at Naqsh Art Studio in Jeddah. “This exhibition is more than just a display of artwork. It’s a celebration of collaboration and connection, of artists and communities coming together in ways we never anticipated,” Alamoudi shares.

SINDBAD will release a book about the journey, set to launch on March 13th at The N.E.S.T in AlUla. This publication will encapsulate the collective’s travels, sharing the unique experiences and voices that shaped the exhibition.

On the Road aims to be more than just an art show but a movement that’s breaking boundaries and building a more egalitarian bridge between art and community across the Gulf.