Sharjah Biennial

Profile

Sharjah Art Foundation supports the flourishing arts environment in the Gulf by nurturing artistic opportunities and actively pursuing both a regional and international programme of cultural collaboration and exchange.

Vision
Sharjah Art Foundation builds on the pioneering role the Emirate of Sharjah has played in the artistic and cultural development of the Gulf region. Inspired by the cross-fertilisation and rich cultural diversity of the Emirates, the Foundation provides both national and international leadership in the production and presentation of contemporary visual arts. Recognising the central and distinctive contribution that art makes to society, the Sharjah Art Foundation cultivates a spirit of research, experimentation and excellence while acting as a catalyst for collaboration and exchange within the Middle East and beyond.

Past and Future
The Sharjah Art Foundation was established in 2009 to carry forward the mission of the Sharjah Biennial. One of the most celebrated cultural events in the region, since 1993 the Sharjah Biennial has formed a cultural bridge between[/has worked to link] artists, art institutions and organisations locally, regionally and internationally.

Reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for arts within the region, we work to advance the core initiatives of the Biennial while providing a broad framework of activities that respond to the challenges and opportunities in the art world today.

Though we are increasingly active internationally, informing all of our programmes is a deep commitment to provide support that recognises the particular, specific and often urgent conditions faced by artists and art practitioners of this region. Through the continuing work of the Biennial, the March Meeting, the Production Programme, Residencies, Exhibitions and the Collection, all of our work reflects the Foundation's key values of production, collaboration and exchange.

Since Sharjah Biennial 6 in 2003, the programme has been led by Foundation President H.H. Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, a practicing artist who received her BFA from the Slade, and an MA in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art , London. Foundation Director Jack Persekian was involved first as a curator, and then as Artistic Director of the Sharjah Biennial from 2005.