American University Of Sharjah Unveils New Artist-in-Residence Programme

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has launched its Artist-in-Residence programme, aimed at enriching the university’s creative and cultural environment. The initiative was inaugurated at a special ceremony on campus, attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS.

The programme will host both established and emerging artists from around the globe, offering them a supportive environment to develop their creative practices and engage with the university community. These artists will conduct workshops, performances, demonstrations, and guest lectures accessible to both the AUS community and the public.

The artists in residence will also mentor students, collaborate on scholarly projects, and participate in critiquing student work. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of real-life experiences that complement academic learning. "When our students encounter our resident artists face-to-face, it will create moments of human interaction that transcend the theoretical and etch themselves in the memories of our students," she said.

Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, introduced the inaugural Artists-in-Residence: Fatima Al Hashmi, Dr. Afra Atiq, and Dr. Najat Makki. Al Hashmi is an opera singer and artist known for her innovative approaches to music and performance. She will join the AUS Performing Arts Programme.

Dr. Afra Atiq is a poet, scholar, and teaching artist with expertise in Arabic, English, and French poetry. She will engage with both the Department of English and the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies at AUS. Dr. Najat Makki is a pioneering Emirati visual artist who will work with the College of Architecture, Art and Design to inspire and mentor budding creatives.

Event Highlights

During the event, each Artist-in-Residence showcased their talent. Dr. Makki presented three of her paintings, each reflecting her unique perspective and artistic expression. Dr. Atiq captivated the audience with a poem that conveyed her thoughts and emotions through her words. Al Hashmi performed a voice and piano piece.

This programme aims to foster a vibrant cultural atmosphere at AUS by integrating artistic practice into academic life. It provides students with opportunities to interact with accomplished artists, thereby enhancing their educational experience.

With inputs from WAM