RIYADH: The Saudi Misk Art Institute has launched the first Misk Art Grant, an annual program that will provide technical and financial support to artists inside and outside the Kingdom. Works by the first five recipients are now on show at an exhibition that runs until the end of February. The program also aims to empower young people to realize their artistic potential by giving them the chance to work with mentors and supervisors who will help participants to develop their creativity. In this unusual year, the program adopted the theme of “Settling,” a reference to the sense of stability that can be provided by familiar places until it is time to move on. It is also an acknowledgment of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the extended lockdowns that many people have used as an opportunity to explore their hidden creative energies. The launch of the Settling exhibition, at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Fine Arts Hall in Riyadh, coincided with the start of the Misk Art Week on Dec. 3. Works by the five Saudi artists chosen as the first recipients of the grant will be on display throughout the show.HIGHLIGHTS • The launch of the Settling exhibition, at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Fine Arts Hall in Riyadh, coincided with the start of the Misk Art Week on Dec. 3. • It is also an acknowledgment of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Works by the five Saudi artists chosen as the first recipients of the grant will be on display throughout the show. Misk Art Institute CEO Reem Al-Sultan said that the institute wants to create an artistic environment that helps to develop young creators, and is capable of inspiring the Saudi art scene, by providing a set of tools, programs and initiatives that support creative growth. “The Misk Art Grant program is among the first art events held by the Misk Art Institute, as an extension of its important role in supporting artists and enriching the Saudi art scene,” she said. “The institute continues its journey by launching initiatives at the local and international levels, including Art Week, an annual event awaited by the region’s art scene, along with training, education, fellowship programs and art exhibitions.” The Misk Art Institute was established in 2017 to provide support for artists and arts of all kinds, in addition to stimulating creativity and raising it to international levels.