On February 20, 2014, British sculptor Sir Antony Gormley joined Saudi artist Ahmed Mater for a public talk in Jeddah as part of the Saudi Art Council’s 21,39 programme. In a rich and thought-provoking conversation, the two artists explored the power of sculpture to shape collective imagination and cultural memory, sharing perspectives on how art interacts with society across different cultural contexts. Gormley reflected on how his large-scale works invite shared experience, while Mater discussed his documentation of social change in Saudi Arabia. Their exchange marked a significant moment in fostering international artistic dialogue, inspiring further mentorship initiatives, workshops, and community engagement within the Kingdom’s evolving art scene.