Queen’s Day

Queen’s Day in Riyadh, by artist collective 113B, is a poetic and powerful example of cultural diplomacy through art. To celebrate Queen’s Day in a special way at the Dutch Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Rob Donkers and Tymen Cieraad created a visual journey from classic Dutch clichés to the contemporary Netherlands. Projections on the façade of the embassy in Riyadh showed tulip fields, windmills, dikes, and picturesque towns gradually transforming into scenes of modern cities, high-rises, rapid transport, and industry.

The transformation of these images reflected not only a changing landscape but also the dynamism of a nation in progress. This visual transition was accompanied by live music from accordionist Fred Abbingh, adding an authentic Dutch touch. The result was an audiovisual spectacle that appealed to a wide audience and evoked a festive, unifying atmosphere.

The event took place on April 30, 2009, and was commissioned by the Dutch Embassy in Riyadh and the Office for Cultural Affairs. Mothership handled project management and production. The installation brought together diplomatic guests from Saudi Arabia in a celebration of Dutch identity — one that was both visually striking and culturally meaningful.