Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) has unveiled the schedule for the highly anticipated 16th edition of Sharjah Biennial, set to take place from 6–9 February 2025. The Biennial is curated by a team of renowned curators, including Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala, and Zeynep Öz.
Under the theme “to carry”, the Biennial explores an open-ended concept of what and how to carry. Visitors will engage with diverse perspectives from the five curators and discover thought-provoking works they have curated.
Event Highlights and Locations
Opening Programme
Dates: 6–9 February 2025
Locations: Sharjah City, Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, Al Madam, and other sites across Sharjah
The opening programme spans four days, featuring over 300 artworks, including 80 newly commissioned pieces by more than 140 participants. Visitors can enjoy performances, film screenings, and interactive activations across multiple locations.
March Meeting
Dates: 7–9 March 2025
Timings: 10:00 pm–1:00 am (Ramadan hours)
Location: Al Qasimiyah School, Al Manakh, Sharjah
The March Meeting coincides with Ramadan and offers three evenings of conversations, performances, and workshops. The programme highlights themes of Indigenous knowledge, transformative storytelling, and live poetry. Visitors can also enjoy curator- and artist-led tours during the day.
April Acts
Dates: 18–20 April 2025
Locations: Various Sharjah Biennial 16 venues
April Acts is a weekend programme featuring panel discussions, artist talks, workshops, film screenings, and live music. It activates new dimensions of the Biennial’s theme.
Year-Round Activities
Throughout the four-month Biennial, SAF will host weekly film screenings, workshops for all age groups, and artist conversations, both online and in-person.
Experience Art at Sharjah Biennial
Sharjah Biennial 16 promises an immersive cultural experience across multiple locations, showcasing the best in contemporary art and fostering meaningful dialogue on global themes.
Sharjah Biennial is an internationally acclaimed art event. It is focused on bringing a broad range of contemporary art, cultural programmes and producers to the communities of Sharjah, the UAE, the region and beyond.
