Al-Burda Exhibition Celebrates Islamic Arts At Aga Khan Museum In Canada
The 'As the Sun Appears from Beyond' exhibition has been inaugurated by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the Foreign Minister’s Envoy to Canada and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, was also present. This event marks the exhibition's first appearance in Canada.
Running until February 15, 2026, this exhibition is a collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum. It celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Al-Burda Award. The exhibition showcases over 60 contemporary artworks by previous Al-Burda Award winners and includes two pieces from the Al-Badr Award collection. These works create a visual dialogue with historical artifacts from the museum's permanent collection.
The exhibition explores Islamic arts' evolution, featuring Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and poetry. Curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud, Sara bin Safwan, and Shaikha Al Zaabi—graduates of the Al Burda Grant 2024—the exhibition presents a modern artistic vision. It embodies cultural empowerment and cross-border knowledge exchange while reflecting the award's spirit and future aspirations.
A comprehensive cultural programme accompanies the exhibition. It includes workshops, lectures, and seminars focusing on Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and Islamic ornamentation. Interactive performances are also part of this programme to engage audiences with contemporary Islamic art. These activities highlight its diversity and adaptability in expressing aesthetic values and cultural identity.
Coinciding with the opening is a book launch titled "Like the Sun Appearing to the Eyes from Afar." This publication documents the exhibition while exploring artistic dimensions related to the Al-Burda Award's 20th anniversary. The book features essays by experts in Islamic arts and intellectuals offering insights into how this award empowers contemporary Islamic art globally.
This book serves as an essential reference chronicling developments in calligraphy, ornamentation, and literary arts. It underscores UAE’s commitment to supporting Islamic arts through fostering cultural exchange while deepening appreciation for this ancient tradition.
Strategic Cultural Cooperation
In his opening remarks at this milestone event for Al-Burda Award’s journey Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi stated: "This exhibition represents a strategic step towards expanding cultural cooperation between UAE & Canada." He emphasised presenting Islamic arts within contemporary frameworks that express shared human values promoting intercultural dialogue.
He further added: "We are proud that this edition of exhibition results from pioneering partnership with Aga Khan Museum underscoring depth cultural openness role art building bridges civilizational dialogue." He expressed eagerness to continue working internationally empowering creatives contributing shaping diverse influential global culture scene.
The Legacy of Al-Burda Award
Established in 2004, over 390 talents worldwide have been honoured by Al-Burda Award including poets visual artists calligraphers specialising Islamic arts. It evolved into global Emirati platform celebrating ancient art form rich beauty Arabic language strengthening UAE’s role fostering creativity preserving artistic heritage promoting outstanding works internationally.
This award continues serving as an Emirati platform reintroducing Islamic arts globally attuned spirit times enhancing UAE’s influence fostering creativity preserving heritage promoting exceptional artworks international audiences.
With inputs from WAM
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