Sharjah Art foundation cultural events:

Vantage Point Sharjah 12: If I Were Another
28 September 2024–8 December 2024

Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS) is an annual exhibition showcasing emerging photographers. The 12th edition, titled *If I Were Another*, features four artists selected from an international open call. Their works explore themes like displacement, ecology, and motherhood through diverse photographic methods, offering a platform for documentary and experimental approaches. Curated by Sara Al Mheiri.

Emily Karaka: Ka Awatea, A New Dawn

7 September 2024–1 December 2024

*Ka Awatea, A New Dawn* surveys the work of Senior Māori artist Emily Karaka, an abstract expressionist and colourist rooted in Māori rights and the Treaty of Waitangi. Her vibrant, large-scale paintings advocate for iwi justice and environmental care. This exhibition spans five decades of her career and includes new work. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi and Megan Tamati-Quennell.

Bouchra Khalili: Between Circles and Constellations

7 September 2024–1 December 2024

*Between Circles and Constellations* explores Bouchra Khalili’s examination of hidden solidarities among transnational and stateless communities through her projects over the past 15 years. Her multimedia work, which blends personal and collective histories, emphasizes “radical citizenship”—a community beyond identity norms. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, the exhibition spans film, photography, print, and installation, highlighting global networks of solidarity.

William Kentridge: A Shadow of a Shadow

28 September 2024–8 December 2024

*A Shadow of a Shadow* surveys 17 of William Kentridge’s performances from the late 1980s to the present. Known for his theatrical, musical, and operatic projects, Kentridge’s work critiques South Africa’s social and political realities. The exhibition features drawings, stage props, and installations, emphasizing his use of shadow plays and political satire. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi.

Antonio Dias: The Search for an Open Enigma

28 September 2024–8 December 2024

*The Search for an Open Enigma* showcases the work of Antonio Dias (1944–2018), an artist who pushed material and conceptual boundaries to address sociopolitical issues. Spanning from the 1960s to the late 1990s, the exhibition highlights his mixed-media works critiquing Brazil’s dictatorship and later explorations of conceptualism and abstraction. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi.

Perform Sharjah

October 2024–January 2025

Sharjah Art Foundation’s performing arts season returns this October with a programme that engages with the city’s urban fabric, public spaces, heritage houses and theatres through a range of cross-disciplinary performances.

Sharjah Film Platform 7

15 November 2024 –24 November 2024

The seventh edition of the Sharjah Film Platform, the annual festival of independent and experimental filmmaking, returns this November. Featuring UAE premieres, the nominated films will compete in four categories: Best Fiction Feature, Best Fiction Short, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Documentary Short. The festival also includes a diverse screening programme, including the *Director in Focus* section, which honors influential regional filmmakers.

Focal Point 2024

22 November 2024 –24 November 2024

Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair highlights independent bookmaking globally, with a focus on regional publishers. It serves as a critical platform for knowledge-sharing and community building, showcasing works from artists’ presses, self-publishers, and non-commercial cultural producers who push the boundaries of publishing. The event also features talks, workshops, book launches, and signings.

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Exhibition

14 October 2024 – 28 February 2025

The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) will unveil a remarkable series of exhibitions in Abu Dhabi, including *Hour Eternal*, which highlights two decades of Emirati abstract art. The gallery will also feature *Visions of the Orient* from H.E. Bassam Freiha’s collection and monumental sculptures by Anthony James and Tarek Elkassouf, exploring cultural identity and societal boundaries.

Dubai Culture promotes Arabic calligraphy through the Ornamentation and Gilding project

October 2024 -24 November 2024

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) offers workshops as part of its Arabic Calligraphy, Ornamentation, and Gilding project to nurture emerging talent. Hosted at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children under the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, the courses cover Ruq’ah, Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani Al Jali, and Ijaza scripts, taught by renowned calligraphers Abdul Razzaq Al Mahmoud, Musab Doori, Uday Alaraji, and Zaid Al Athamy.

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Art Exhibition Louvre Abu Dhabi Celebrates World Photography Day

As World Photography Day approaches on Monday, Louvre Abu Dhabi is offering a special treat for art enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy free access to the museum’s galleries on Saturday and Sunday, providing an opportunity to explore the diverse collection. The museum also invites visitors to capture and share their favorite artworks on social media, tagging Louvre Abu Dhabi for a chance to be featured on its official Instagram page.

Date: Saturday and Sunday Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Contact: 600 565566

In Context: The Spectrum Group Exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Manarat Al Saadiyat is hosting the second edition of the Spectrum Residency exhibition, featuring works by eight artists from the UAE, Canada, the Philippines, and Palestine. Guided by mentor and curator Nasser Al Maazmi, these artists have spent the past year exploring the influence of culture on perspectives. The exhibition includes a variety of mediums, such as immersive installations, photography, mixed media, and a short film.

Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

Art Exhibition Gavin Jantjes Retrospective at Sharjah Art Foundation

The Sharjah Art Foundation presents a comprehensive retrospective of South African artist and curator Gavin Jantjes. Titled To Be Free, the exhibition spans over five decades of Jantjes’ work, reflecting his role as a key figure in societal and cultural transformation. The exhibition comprehensively charts his evolution as a multifaceted artist, encompassing roles as painter, printmaker, writer, curator, and activist, beginning with the anti-apartheid prints of the 1970s and leading up to his recent abstract paintings.

Art Exhibition Nasser Almulhim’s Solo Exhibition at Tabari Artspace

This weekend is one of the last chances to catch In-Between, a solo exhibition by Saudi abstract painter Nasser Almulhim. Inspired by Carl Jung’s psychological theories, Almulhim’s large-scale, vividly colored paintings delve into the human psyche. His works serve as both an artistic and spiritual journey, contributing to his personal growth.

Runs until September 6 Location: Tabari Artspace, DIFC, Dubai Contact: 04 323 0820

2024 MFA Graduate Show at 421 Arts Campus

The 421 Arts Campus in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi presents On a Timeline, the 2024 MFA Graduate Show. The exhibition highlights the research and experimentation of five MFA graduates, effectively showcasing their exploration of the contemporary global condition through various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media.

Location: 421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi

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M+ stands as Asia’s premier global museum of contemporary visual culture, operating under the auspices of the WKCDA in Hong Kong. With a vision to establish Hong Kong as a leading international arts and cultural hub, M+ is committed to fostering global East-meets-West cultural exchanges.

The MOU between Sharjah Art Foundation and M+ solidifies a long-term partnership, marking one of the many MOUs signed between WKCDA and 21 esteemed arts and cultural institutions worldwide. The agreement was signed by Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation, and Suhanya Raffel, Museum Director of M+.

In a statement, Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the importance of the MOU in shaping future artistic endeavours. She also mentioned the ongoing exhibition at M+, “The Peacock’s Graveyard” by Amar Kanwar, commissioned jointly by Sharjah Art Foundation and M+, as an example of the fruitful partnership.

“The Peacock’s Graveyard” is a multi-screen installation exploring themes of death, nature, and contemporary societal issues. Premiering at Sharjah Biennial 15 in 2023, the work is currently on display at M+ as part of the “Shanshui: Echoes and Signals” exhibition.

The Hong Kong International Cultural Summit also saw M+ signing MOUs with other renowned institutions, including Centre Pompidou, Musée National Picasso-Paris, The National Art Center Tokyo, Leeum Museum of Art, Qatar Museums Authority, and Tate. Collaborations also extended to conservation efforts with the Getty Conservation Institute and partnerships with film archives like the Asian Film Archive and Thailand Film Archive.

As part of the 2024 Hong Kong Art Week, the Sharjah Art Foundation is actively participating in various events, reaffirming its commitment to contemporary art. Two notable talks include “Curating as Collaborative Practice: Presenting South-East Asia and beyond in the context of Middle East” on 28 March and “How to Build a Biennial Together” on 29 March.

These events feature prominent speakers such as Alia Swastika and Amal Khalaf, co-curators of Sharjah Biennial 16, discussing the importance of collaboration in curating and the evolving relationship between artists and curators in biennial exhibitions.

The MOU between the Sharjah Art Foundation and M+ signifies a significant milestone in fostering international cultural exchange and collaboration in the arts.

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The collaboration between AUS and SAF was inspired by the late Okwui Enwezor’s visionary work and curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, the Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation. The biennial exhibition, titled “Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (SB15),” reflects on Enwezor’s significant contributions to contemporary art and his profound impact on the evolution of institutions and biennials worldwide.

Noora Al Mualla, the Director of Learning and Research at the Sharjah Art Foundation, expressed that the experiential course aligns perfectly with the foundation’s core mission of fostering an appreciation for the arts among young individuals and students. Al Mualla emphasized the importance of providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment, stating that the collaboration with AUS allowed the development of a unique curriculum centered on Sharjah Biennial 15. The goal was to support students in studying the biennial’s curation, theory, and its impact on the art world, thereby encouraging exploration of critical concepts in visual culture.

The interdisciplinary group of 16 students involved in the course gained a foundational understanding of the skills, expertise, and critical thinking approaches that underpin the curatorial profession. Dr. Bonin highlighted the importance of students experiencing an exhibition as curators, critics, and audience members. The course provided students with exposure to diverse artworks, curatorial approaches, and global topics that connect communities worldwide. Bonin stressed that these skills are vital for nurturing new talent within the region’s cultural institutions and creative industries.

One student, Ahnaf Abdur Rahman, a first-year visual communications student, expressed his appreciation for the course’s impact on his foundational skills. He noted that while other courses primarily teach students what to think, ART 394, the course based on the biennial, teaches students how to think. The seminar-style nature of the course compelled students to think critically, with their thoughts being actively challenged by their peers.

While the Sharjah Biennial 15 is set to conclude on June 11th, Dr. Bonin is already exploring opportunities to offer the course at other venues in the upcoming fall semester. This indicates a desire to continue providing students with unique and immersive learning experiences centered around significant contemporary art exhibitions.

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As part of its commitment to the community, the Sharjah Art Foundation seeks to revive permanent public projects and site-specific installations from past editions of the Biennial. This collaboration with the Sharjah Cricket Academy not only promotes sportsmanship but also makes art accessible to local communities, fostering a participatory approach to art.

Noora Al Mualla, the Director of Learning and Research at the Sharjah Art Foundation, emphasizes the significance of hosting cricket tournaments to strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship and cultivate the rich culture of Sharjah and the UAE. Khalaf Bukhatir, the CEO of Sharjah Cricket, expresses excitement about this initiative to develop grassroots-level cricket and provide opportunities for young talent to showcase their skills.

The junior cricket tournament will take place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and is free for the public to attend.

‘Across the Chalk Line’ (2015), a public art project by Gary Simmons, is inspired by the intersection of drawing, sport, and the youth’s love for cricket in Sharjah. The junior-sized cricket oval features a boundary marked by a quote from CLR James’ book ‘Beyond a Boundary’ in four languages, questioning the deeper understanding of cricket beyond its mere technicalities. The quote, translated into Arabic, English, Malayalam, and Urdu, prompts contemplation about the cultural and political significance of the game.

Simmons aims to encourage viewers to reflect on the social dynamics of cricket, including race and class, both within their own country and internationally. By transcending the rules of the game, he invites a broader examination of cricket’s political and cultural meaning.

In summary, the collaboration between the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Cricket Academy through the junior cricket tournament provides an opportunity to engage with art, promote sportsmanship, and encourage deeper contemplation of cricket’s significance beyond the playing field.

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During the inauguration, Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed was given a tour of the Arts Palace and was briefed on the restoration work that has been done to prepare the palace for the various art exhibitions and programmes of the Sharjah Art Foundation. The palace has a rich history dating back to the 1950s when H.H Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi first started building it, and it was later completed by H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in the 1960s.

The Ruler of Sharjah was also shown the artworks displayed in the Arts Palace as part of the current edition of the Sharjah Biennial. During the inauguration of the Al Dhaid old Clinic building, he was introduced to the works of the Sharjah Biennial that are displayed in the building and reflect the theme of “Thinking Historically in the Present.” The works on display are by artists from different countries and showcase their artistic vision of various historical and contemporary issues and events.

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Biennial is the first time that the city of Al Dhaid is hosting the biennial’s activities through a group of buildings and spaces, including the Al Dhaid old Clinic building and the Arts Palace.

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The Sharjah Biennial, which launches tomorrow, is commemorating its 30th anniversary this year. Events will be held at 19 venues in five cities and towns across the emirate, attracting more than 150 people from more than 70 nations. “Mirroring the UAE’s own story of development, the biennial – the country’s longest-running arts event – has grown over the past three decades into a sprawling phenomenon that attracts cutting-edge contemporary artists to the emirate,” the paper added.

The programme, which has Thinking Historically in the Present as its theme this year, was inspired by the late Nigerian curator, art critic, and writer Okwui Enwezor, whose writings had a profound influence on Sharjah Art Foundation director Her Highness Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, who is also the biennial curator.

Her Highness Sheikha Hoor has described Enwezor’s ideas as the “conceptual framework for the biennial, which we’ve sought to honor and elaborate on while also reflecting on the foundation’s own past, present and future as the biennial marks its 30-year anniversary”. Upcoming local and rising artists, photographers, and filmmakers will be featured at the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, a non-profit community event, till the end of February. The premier international art fair Art Dubai will take place from March 1–5, while Abu Dhabi’s independent art platform Warehouse421 will launch its RE/COLLECT winter season this week with four major exhibitions and more than 20 workshops, talks, and special events.

The Ministry of Culture and Youth launched an AED 1 million theater initiative in October, and on Thursday, it was announced that the Sharjah Art Foundation had finished converting the abandoned Kalba Ice Factory, a 20,000 square meter industrial site on the emirate’s east coast, into art spaces with social amenities.

The Abu Dhabi-based daily concluded by quoting Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, as saying at a UNESCO conference last September, “The country had recognized the growing power of the cultural and creative industries within the wider economy, as well as its vulnerability to unpredictable events”.

“These creative industries contribute 3.5 per cent to the UAE’s gross domestic product – a figure that is projected to grow to 5 per cent by 2031. And although unpredictable events such as pandemics may always be with us, we can take heart from the resilience of the UAE’s artists, curators and patrons. We can expect to see many of the country’s leading cultural events enjoying a few more anniversaries.”

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A historic city on Sharjah’s eastern coastline called Kalba is where the plant is situated. It was initially constructed in the 1970s and utilized as a fish feed mill and a location to store the ice that would be used to ship freshly caught fish to Dubai, which is 120 kilometers distant. It will reopen in time for the 2023 Sharjah Biennial, one of the most important contemporary art exhibitions, having just undergone restoration.

The biennial opening reception is on February 7th, and its theme is “Thinking Historically in the Present.” Her Highness Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, is in charge of curating the exhibition, the brainchild of the late Nigerian curator and art historian Okwui Enwezor. She founded the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009 after witnessing Enwezor’s acclaimed Documenta curatorship in 2002.

In repurposing the factory, Her Highness was committed to “preserving the industrial rawness of the factory space and protecting the unique ecosystem of the surrounding landscape,” Her Highness said in a statement.

The demolished factory served as a free-form site for successive iterations of the Sharjah Biennial, most recently serving as the backdrop for performance pieces like the South African artist Mohau Modisakeng’s Land of Zanj, the highlight of the 2019 edition.

The architecture studio 51-1 Arquitectos, based in Lima, Peru, was commissioned by the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2020 to refurbish the abandoned factory. “[They] did so with the minimum level of intervention to allow temporary art installations in its naves without losing its powerful spatial qualities as an industrial ruin,” Her Highness says.

51-1 Arquitectos has designed a 20,000 square meter exhibition facility using this brief. Studios, workshops, and living quarters have been carved out of the factory’s interior to accommodate visiting artists participating in residency programmes. The factory is next to Kalba Creek, which is now known as the Al Qurm Nature Reserve and has been declared as a mangrove sanctuary as part of the restoration effort. The sanctuary is home to unique species of birds, animals, and reptiles and is located near the Hajar mountain range on the coasts of the Gulf of Oman. Green turtles, which are at risk of extinction, can occasionally be spotted nesting on the local beaches.

The Sharjah Biennial takes place from 7 February to 11 June in 2023. Artists Rebecca Belmore, Ibrahim Mahama, Pak Khawateen Painting Club, Doris Salcedo, Abdulrahim Salem, Kahurangiariki Smith, Inuuteq Storch, and Nari Ward will exhibit their most recent works in the factory.

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In the Heart of Another Country, organized by Dr. Omar Kholeif, Director of Collections and Senior Curator, Sharjah Art Foundation, features works in all media by over 60 artists from South and West Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, including rarely seen pieces that explore the idea of one’s roots and sense of belonging.

In the Heart of Another Country analyzes the life trajectories of generations of diaspora populations that have converged in the UAE, and more especially, Sharjah, according to the microsite created for the occasion. The exhibition features new commissions, works, and installations in addition to part pieces that have never been displayed outside of their original environment.

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In addition to a lineup of 100 local and international authors, bibliophiles can look forward to a weekend jam-packed with entertaining events like book launches, talks, artist gatherings, workshops, and musical performances. Publications from artists’ presses, bookmakers, self-publishers, non-profit cultural producers, and artist-made goods will be available for visitors.

The book fair will be divided into three main categories: Local, which will feature publications from the UAE’s arts community; and Edit, which will feature curated publications and unique interest books not sold by local retailers. International will feature works from independent publishers and artists in the global art community.

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