Khadija Arif

Art educator and textile artist with a background in teaching visual arts across early years, primary, and university levels. Experienced in delivering inquiry-based, interdisciplinary art units that integrate drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and textile techniques. Passionate about fostering student creativity, cultural expression, and reflective learning.

Alongside classroom teaching, I have led child-focused workshops at institutions like the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and Palm Tree Kindergarten, and mentored emerging artists in textile design through Hafez Projects. My work in costume design for cultural productions adds depth to my understanding of visual storytelling and material practice in education.

Costume Designer at  Al Hasn Big Time Studio

Sourced materials for costume creation from local and international suppliers.
Created detailed costume designs for accurate historical representation.
Increased audience immersion through meticulous attention to period-specific details in costuming.
Enhanced character portrayal by designing unique outfits that reflected their personality traits.

Costume Designer at Visit Saudi (Sela Group)

Secured rights for use of copyrighted material in costumes when required.
Provided continuity in long-running productions by maintaining consistent costume quality over time.
Collaborated with directors, producers and actors to understand character needs

Art Educator at Diriyah Biennale Foundation

Designed and led hands-on art workshops for children aged 6–12 during a major art exhibition
Created age-appropriate activities exploring themes like texture, nature, and storytelling through art
Used materials such as clay, leaves, fabric, and found objects to encourage creativity and sensory learning
Adapted sessions for two age groups:
– Ages 6–8: Focused on play, exploration, and basic composition
– Ages 9–12: Introduced layering, symbolism, and storytelling in visual art
Guided children through the full creative process: introduction, making, and reflection
Set up a mini-exhibition for participants to display their artwork and share their ideas
Promoted self-expression, confidence, and curiosity in a supportive learning environment
Ensured inclusive and safe workshop space aligned with child development needs

 Artist Mentor at Hafiz Projects 

Provided expert mentorship to emerging textile artists, helping them develop both their technical and conceptual skills in fabric manipulation, embroidery, weaving, dyeing, and surface design
Designed and delivered tailored workshops on various textile art techniques, including hand-weaving, screen printing, felting, natural dyeing, Silk printing
Offered personalized guidance on project development, helping mentees refine their ideas, select materials, and create cohesive bodies of work
Conducted one-on-one critiques to provide constructive feedback on design, composition, and craftsmanship, fostering artistic growth
Created a nurturing, creative space that encouraged risk-taking, artistic expression, and exploration of new materials and techniques
Mentored 20 emerging textile artists, with 9 mentees participating in prestigious textile art exhibitions

HAFEZ GALLERY: Provided a collage workshop.

PALM TREE KINDERGARTEN: Provided several workshops Color Theory  for kids.

MOC & MOE: special training for students in painting  through cultural talents program.