His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the 16th Sharjah Biennial award ceremony. The event, held in the Heart of Sharjah, celebrated global creativity and showcased exceptional artistic contributions.
Upon his arrival, His Highness received a warm welcome from Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Arts Foundation, and Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Businesswomen Council. Several officials, artists, and distinguished guests also joined the ceremony.
To set the stage, the event began with a captivating visual presentation. It highlighted key milestones and clips from previous biennials. This visual journey underscored the biennial’s reputation as a major international artistic event.
Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi
During her speech, Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasized the biennial’s profound connection to Sharjah’s cultural mission. She stated, “This edition, titled ‘Our Journeys,’ explores the transformative power of art amid global challenges.” She highlighted His Highness’s unwavering support, dedicating the event to him and the people of Sharjah.
Following this, Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to His Highness for making Sharjah a vibrant cultural hub. “The Sharjah Biennial consistently opens new creative avenues for artists worldwide,” she said. She thanked the event’s partners, curators, and supporters for their invaluable contributions.
Next, His Highness honoured this year’s winners: Aziz Hazara, Blavi Paul, and Prachaya Vinthong. Sheikha Hoor also recognized sponsors and partners, capturing commemorative photos to mark the occasion.
The curators, including Alya Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati, Natasha Ginwala, and Zainab Oz, shared insights about the featured projects. They highlighted the biennial’s role in fostering cultural exchange and creative expression.
16th Sharjah Biennial
Running from February 6 to June 15, the 16th Sharjah Biennial showcases over 650 artworks by 200 international artists. Spanning 17 locations across Sharjah, the event celebrates artistic diversity and reinforces the emirate’s growing cultural significance worldwide.
