British Council and Sharjah Museums Department unveil new photography initiative to promote architectural heritage

The year-long tour, which opened in Muscat, uses architecture as a motif to explore the role and value of heritage in defining cultural identity. In the UAE, it is hosted in collaboration with the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation situated in the Al Majjarah area of Sharjah from 6 December 2009 to 23 January 2010.

A free public exhibition of photographic art projects forms the centre-piece of My Father's House. This is accompanied by a supporting programme of activities, which in Sharjah includes a talk by a participating artist, a photography workshop led by one of the artists of the exhibition, a photographic treasure hunt for family and friends and activities for school and university students. These activities encourage the public to take a fresh look at the surroundings, to consider the impact they have on our environment and society and how the cultural heritage is valued.

My Father's House is part of the British Council's work in the region to promote the value and power of cultural relations in raising awareness, building understanding, creating opportunities and improving trust between countries of the Middle East and the UK. The British Council has an international reputation for nurturing young talent, and for this exhibition, five up-and-coming artists from the Middle East, and three established UK photographers have been commissioned to make new photographic projects, each responding in very individual ways to the theme of My Father's House.

The artists are: Wed Abduljawad, Hafiz Ali, Boushra Almutawakil, Emirati Lamya Gargash, Camille Zakharia; and Tim Hetherington, Tim Loveless and Hazel Thompson. Their exhibits include large-scale photography, audio-visual installations and film, inspired by subjects as diverse as the oral tradition of story-telling, cinema, domestic life, the influence of women in society, changing landscapes and water resources, and archaeological and restoration projects.

"Sharjah Museums Department strives to strengthen public awareness and participation about the unique heritage of the Emirate, in which architecture plays a key role. The My Father's House exhibition will engage diverse audiences and provide a positive learning experience on cultural identity, the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the rapid development of our urban landscape from an architectural point of view,"

said Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department.

Hannah Henderson, the British Council's Regional Manager Creativity said: "My Father's House is a fascinating illustration of eight Middle East and UK artists' very individual responses to the impact of buildings on cultural heritage. The project has been a journey of exploration and understanding for the artists involved. But My Father's House also provides an opportunity for all of us to take part and to reflect on its theme - whether it is by listening to the artists' experiences in developing their works, improving our photographic skills through the documentary photography workshops or simply by having fun taking part with family and friends in the photography treasure hunt to create our own My Father's House collection of images. There is something for everyone and I hope that those taking part in My Father's House will enjoy and learn something from the project."

Henderson added: "Cultural heritage and architecture are the symbols of our identity and the Middle East is a dynamic region with striking contrasts between the old and the new. Sharing this knowledge will help to build a better understanding and trust between the different cultures of the Middle East and the UK."