Alleyways of AlUla
Earlier this year, the British Council and the Royal Commission for AlUla launched a new phase of collaboration rooted in a shared commitment to cultural exchange, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in the heritage and creative sectors. This partnership reflects both organisations’ vision to support local talent, foster long-term UK–Saudi relationships, and contribute to the cultural vitality of AlUla.
Today, we are pleased to announce the eight UK-based artists and cultural practitioners who have been selected to receive AlUla Cultural Grants by the British Council. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of 78 applicants, these grantees represent the very best in innovation, collaboration, and creative ambition across a wide range of disciplines, including visual and performing arts, archaeology, museums, architecture, design, and fashion. See these projects here.
The projects will be showcased during the British Council’s 50th anniversary season in Saudi Arabia, running from November 2025 to February 2026, as well as at the launch of the AlUla Arts Festival. The showcase will include art exhibitions, training programmes in cultural production, participation in field research at archaeological sites, workshops on sustainable design, and the sharing of heritage stories from both countries’ cultures.
Alleyways of AlUla
The Alleyways of AlUla project is an initiative focused on heritage and powered by the local community, inspired by the successful Alleyways of Gosport programme in the UK, which reactivated neglected urban pathways through artistic interventions and local engagement. Building on this model, the proposed pilot in AlUla aims to transform the region’s historic alleyways into vibrant cultural spaces through storytelling, heritage interpretation, and creative workshops. With a strong focus on female-led community involvement, the project will foster collaboration between Saudi and UK artists through a mentorship programme. Rooted in the values of sustainability, inclusivity and creativity, it will begin with a scoping visit to explore opportunities for adaptive reuse and stakeholder engagement, laying the groundwork for long-term cultural regeneration. By combining AlUla’s rich history with innovative, participatory design, the initiative seeks to uncover hidden narratives and celebrate local identity, breathing new life into the region’s overlooked spaces.
The Sustainable Conservation Trust is a not-for-profit UK-based organisation dedicated to preserving and reimagining heritage spaces through creative, community-led approaches. With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity and placemaking, SCT works at the intersection of conservation, public engagement and contemporary art to ensure historic environments remain relevant and accessible.
