Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Honours Winners Of The 16th Sharjah Biennial Ceremony

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the award ceremony for the 16th Sharjah Biennial in the Heart of Sharjah. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Arts Foundation, along with other dignitaries and artists.

The event commenced with a visual presentation showcasing key milestones from this year's biennial preparations. It included clips from previous editions and highlighted the global significance of the biennial as a major artistic event. The presentation set the stage for an engaging ceremony.

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Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi addressed the audience, emphasising the biennial's role as a distinguished global creative art event. She highlighted its connection to Sharjah's cultural project, which receives significant attention and care. Her speech underscored the biennial's importance in promoting art worldwide.

In her speech, Sheikha Hoor stated, "The 16th Sharjah Biennial has arrived in the city from which it originated, carrying its gifts in abundant baskets and blessed by the visions of its sponsor and founder. It unfolds its offerings across the emirate, enriched by the creativity of artists from all corners of the world, after traversing places and times in search of the higher value of humanity wherever it exists."

The theme for this edition is 'Our Journeys,' exploring art's role in human life. Sheikha Hoor noted that this journey aims to restore our sense of self amidst global challenges. She expressed hope that art could offer salvation and celebrated Sharjah's commitment to this vision.

Sheikha Hoor added, "This edition carries the title 'Our Journeys.' What projects does this journey encompass that can restore our sense of self, exhausted by what is happening in the world around us? Is there any path other than that of art that can represent salvation for us?"

Acknowledging Contributions

Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan for making Sharjah a hub for creativity. She acknowledged his wisdom and guidance in fostering a generous cultural environment within the emirate.

She stated, "As we witness the launch of the 16th Sharjah Biennial, we are once again reminded of that feeling we have come to expect at every significant occasion hosted by this blessed land—the feeling that we live in an emirate that never stops giving."

Honouring Achievements

The Ruler of Sharjah honoured Aziz Hazara, Blavi Paul, and Prachaya Vinthong as winners of this year's biennial. Their contributions were recognised alongside sponsors and partners who played vital roles in supporting this edition. Commemorative photos were taken to mark these achievements.

The curators for this year's biennial—Alya Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala, and Zainab Oz—were acknowledged for their efforts. They contributed significantly through extensive research into diverse artistic experiences featured in this edition.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude towards all organisers and supporters involved in making this event successful. The speeches reflected on how art continues to thrive under supportive leadership while opening new avenues for creativity globally.

With inputs from WAM