Sharjah welcomes artists from around the world as countdown to Biennial 7 begins

Sharjah Biennial 7, the only international contemporary art event of its kind in the GCC, will showcase the creative works of over 70 artists, from 36 countries, at the Sharjah Expo Centre and the Sharjah Art Museum.

With "Belonging" as the over arching theme, artists, critics, academics, historians and media are expected to descend on the city between April 6 and June 6, furthering Sharjah's position as the cultural capital of the Arab World.

Speaking at a press conference, H.H. Sheikh Issam said: "The Sharjah Biennial, as one of our most important international arts events, represents the vision of H. H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and a lifelong supporter of the Arts - aimed at supporting and promoting the arts and cultural dynamics in the region."

H.H. Sheikh Issam added: "The Sharjah Biennial 7 will lead the way in the discourse about the central theme "Belonging" which is being explored through contemporary art. Issues associated questions related to the contemporary experience of 'Belonging' shedding light on the potential of to surmount divisions."

Elaborating on the success of the Biennial over the last six editions, he said: "the Sharjah Biennial has been and continues to be a success story since its first session in 1993. In the first year, the Biennial attracted critics and artists from all corners of the globe. Over the last six years, the creative diversity of the event has been steadily enhanced by its multicultural nature," H.H. Sheikh Issam said.

H.H. Sheikh Issam also revieled details about Biennalicity, accompanying symposium which will focus on the phenomenon of biennials around the world with active participation from artists and curators. The key objective of the symposium is to create better understanding and critique localy, regionaly and internationaly around the format of biennials which is growing in popularity.

To be held on April 7 and 8 at the Conference room of the Expo Centre, the symposium will encompass different discussion papers in addition to seminars, short films and documentaries.

The symposium will conclude with a roundtable discussion, which will provide further debate about the central theme of the Biennial - 'Belonging'. "The theme will also be explored through artists' interventions and performances, in addition to panel discussions and workshops," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Hisham Al Madhloum, General Coordinator of Sharjah Biennial 7, said: "The event, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of the Biennial, has assumed great international stature. The Biennial questions how art can overlap with history and how artists may intervene in our space to allow us to think across cultural divisions."

The team responsible for putting the event together has vast experience in organising major art events, he said. "For such an event like the Sharjah Biennial catering to a varied audience, it is vital to have a mix and balance of local and international experts. The Biennial has established a good reputation over many years and is a melting pot of cultures and different modes of communication" Al Madhloum said.

Jack Persekian, Head Curator of Sharjah Biennial 7, said: "The Biennial will encompass the past, present and future interpretations and reflections about the theme of 'Belonging' while showcasing a different perspective on the this subject."

He further added: "The art works on display at the Biennial are sure to attract attention and provoque debate, while engourging cultural interaction across the region. One of the Biennial's primary goals is to engage the local society in order to bring about greater participation in, understanding of, and critical thinking about contemporary art. The event and all its various components are designed to bridge the gap between the regional and the global art communities."

The symposium, which starts on April 7, will be introduced by Tirdad Zolghadr, Associate Curator, Sharjah Biennial 7. In his paper, Zolghadr will outline the programme of the Symposium and its various objectives.