Snap’s AR Studio Paris and Snap KSA Forge Landmark Partnershipwith Villa Hegra in AlUla, Bringing AR Art and Cultural Exchangeto Saudi Arabia
AR Studio Paris, today announced the expansion of its AR Studio Paris Artist Residency program to Villa Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Snap KSA.
The collaboration, unveiled during Villa Hegra’s inauguration, establishes a cultural and technological bridge between France and Saudi Arabia under the high patronage of both countries’ Ministries of Culture.
This initiative builds on the success of AR Studio Paris’s mission to support creators, advance AR innovation, and foster cultural exchange on a global scale.
A Cultural and Technological Bridge
As part of the partnership, Snap contributes its augmented reality expertise and technology through a skills sponsorship, supporting artists-in-residence at Villa Hegra. The program encourages creative dialogue between Paris and AlUla, while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s growing creator ecosystem, supported by the Ministry of Culture.
Empowering Artists with AR
Resident artists at Villa Hegra will gain access to Snap’s advanced AR tools and creative platforms, mentorship and guidance from Snap’s AR experts and use of Snap’s next-generation AR glasses, Spectacles, available on-site for testing, development, and public engagement.
This unique environment empowers artists to produce and share their work in new and immersive ways, bridging art and technology.
Artist Exchange Between France and Saudi Arabia
The partnership also introduces artist exchange opportunities, allowing Saudi artists to work in Paris and French artists to immerse themselves in AlUla. These exchanges enrich educational programs, expand AR training for young creators, and strengthen ties between global creative communities.
“Through this partnership, we’re connecting artists across continents and empowering them with AR as a new creative canvas. AlUla and Paris now stand as twin hubs for cultural innovation, blending heritage with cutting-edge technology and loyal to our mission” said Antoine Gilbert, head of AR Studio Paris
About AR Studio
Snap committed in June 2021 to further invest in the French creative and technological ecosystem by opening the first Augmented Reality Centre of Excellence in Paris.
The AR Studio’s mission is to raise awareness of the potential of augmented reality and increase its impact in the cultural, entertainment and educational sectors. Through non-commercial partnerships, Snap helps fund the development of cutting-edge augmented reality applications that illustrate how the camera enhances the way we learn and interact with the world around us. Through Snap’s investment in the augmented reality developer ecosystem, the AR Studio helps accelerate the development of local talent in France and Europe through dedicated curricula and by fostering innovative and futuristic new career opportunities for 3D artists.
