The largest auction house in the US, Sotheby’s, is in talks with Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to build a cultural center in the northwest deserts of Saudi Arabia, according to Bloomberg. The contemporary art program is to be located in the Al-Ula region, which contains the country's first UNESCO World Heritage site and is an archaeologically rich area built up over 2,000 years ago. 

Allan Schwatrzman, co-chairman of Sotheby's fine art division, sits on the advisory board of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, which helps oversee the region's development. He also leads Sotheby's art advisory firm Art Agency Partners, which has submitted the plans for the future sprawling arts and cultural destination. The project is currently in the exploratory phase—says a spokeswoman for the royal commission—and has begun inviting a dozen or so artists to submit proposals for the site.

Given the mounting pressure to address connections to the Saudi Arabian government in the wake of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death, it is unclear how this project will be effected. Saudi Arabia has deeply permeated the art world, with many institutions including Sotheby's embedded in years-long cultural and fiscal relationships. Back in October, Sotheby's CEO Tad Smith cancelled an appearance on a culture panel in Saudi Arabia following the news.

“Like many organizations and individuals, we are extremely concerned about recent events and unreservedly condemn acts of violence against all persons,” Sotheby’s told Bloomberg in a statement. “An active dialogue is underway internally about this project, as there is about all potential initiatives and partnerships the company considers.”