Sharjah Biennial 7 opens

The Sharjah Biennial, the only international contemporary arts event of its kind in the GCC, will showcase the works of over 70 artists coming from 36 countries, at both the Sharjah Expo Centre and Sharjah Arts Museum venues. A dedicated exhibition area was specifically designed within the Expo Centre to house a total of 20 artworks, spread over a 4,000 square metre area.

Artists, critics, academics, historians and media from around the globe are expected to descend on the Emirate for the Biennial which promises a regionally unique, arts event that will run until 6th June. Displaying works from diverse cutting edge contemporary artists from around the world, the event promises to interest visitors of all ages, backgrounds and tastes.
At 7pm this evening, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi will open the Sharjah Biennial 7 at the Sharjah Arts Museum, where a number artists' performative works will take place.

Later in the evening, His Highness will invite other Sheikhs, dignitaries, artists and critics to the opening of Sharjah's newest museum, in the Arts Area, which will house His Highness' private art collection. At 10pm they and media guests will move on will follow a dinner and the Biennial Art Awards Ceremony where the three winning artists will be announced.

The theme of the Sharjah Biennial 7 - Belonging - was chosen by Head Curator Jack Persekian and with the support and collaboration his two Associate Curators the invited artisits were able to engage with the theme in a diverse, interpretive ways.

On 7-8th April, in the Conference room of the Expo Centre, an accompanying symposium called "Biennialicity" and round-table discussion will focus on the global phenomenon of Biennials and their growth over the last 10 years. In cooperation with the American University in Sharjah, the two-day Biennialicity programme will involve artists, curators, critics and academics in addressing a series of discussion papers in addition to seminars, short films and documentaries.

According to the curators, the key objective of the symposium is to create better understanding and critique locally, regionally and internationally around the format of biennials which is growing in popularity.

For the first time in its 14 year history, the Biennial team is working very closely with the Department of Education and has developed an Education Programme which engages young audiences and students from schools, colleges and universities across the UAE.

Beginning on 9th April, the Education Programme offers visits to students and young people from schools and universities from around the UAE, including special guided tours of the exhibitions, participatory workshops with visiting artists, and the possibility to spend some time in the 'Creativity Room' at the Sharjah Art Museum. The 'Creativity Room' is an area where, after visiting exhibitions, students and other visitors are encouraged to respond to their experience of the Biennial.

Running concurrently to the Biennial is the Emirates Fine Arts Society Exhibition to be held at the Sharjah Art Museum. The exhibition will promote and raise awareness of the works of 27 nationals and UAE resident artists, seeking to offer insights into the creative diversity of local art.

Key sponsor HSBC, Silver Sponsor Shell and Support Sponsor Emarat spokespersons offered that support of and the encouragement of art and cultural activities were natural alignments of their company with a dedicated drive to the contribution and engagement of society wherever they operate.