Desert X
BY Jack Ramage
Desert X, an international contemporary art exhibition, is held worldwide across multiple locations in the desert. It’s where vast, untamed expanses serve as a canvas for ambitious and breathtaking works of art.
The project was established in 2017 by the non-profit organisation The Desert Biennial, and since then, four exhibitions have taken place across Southern California’s Coachella Valley, welcoming an audience of over 1.7 million.
Desert X has recently expanded internationally too, organising the Desert X AlUla exhibition in the Saudi Arabian desert, in a bid to foster artistic collaboration across regions. Desert X AlUla is a site-specific, open-air installation, and the theme, In the Presence of Absence, implores artists to explore what cannot be seen; inviting them to create alternative ways of viewing landscapes. The desert, in particular, often conjures up ideas of emptiness, and this exhibition invites viewers to think of these vast areas differently.
This unique exhibition not only showcases captivating art but also emphasises environmental protection and respect for indigenous communities. Adhering to guidelines by the Mojave Desert Land Trust, Desert X minimises environmental impact while maintaining accessibility to art through thoughtfully planned access points, pathways and parking.
Desert X is one of the finalists for Trippin 50, a cultural calendar featuring the best events around the world. Check out the Trippin 50 hub here.
Date and Location
Desert X will take place across Coachella Valley from 8 March to 11 May 2025. Desert X AlUla 2024 will open from 9 February to 23 March 2024.
Weather
March is the perfect time for outdoor exploration and events in Coachella, offering mild and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low to mid 20°C. Evenings bring a slight coolness.
Price
Desert X is free. Timed tickets are required for Lauren Bon’s installation, The Smallest Sea With the Largest Heart. Please visit their website for more information and a link to reserve tickets.
Transport
Best to get to by car. Desert X has issued a warning to drivers who are not familiar with the desert roads to stick to the signs. Those who do not follow parking signs often get their vehicles stuck in the sand.
Accommodation
There are a range of hotel options available in Coachella Valley.
Accessibility
Desert X art installations are meant to be experienced from a variety of perspectives and points of view. During the exhibition, Desert X will, on request, make all reasonable modifications to ensure that people with disabilities can access and enjoy the exhibition.
