Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival Launches its 21st Edition

The opening of the 21st Edition of Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival was announced today at the press conference held at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information. Mohammed I. Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive addressed the audience.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organized the 21st edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival. The festival will open on December 19, 2018, and will run until January 19, 2019. Mohammed I. Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, announced the new edition's theme, 'Horizon,' which will serve as a concept to unite artists and art enthusiasts together.

Mohammed I. Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

The word 'Horizon' was chosen as it symbolizes the quest for the artistic horizon. Through expression and the power of contemplation, the artists explore the challenges and the meaning.

The Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival will contain 238 activities in the form of exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. More than 25 organisations assisted in the coordination of the festival projects. 55 exhibitions will open at the Sharjah Art Museum, Al Majaz Waterfront, Maraya Art Centre, and other locations in the emirate. The exhibitions will be presenting works by artists from the United Arab Emirates, neighbouring Arab countries, and other countries from around the world. The festival will also arrange for a dialogue between the artists and the audience, during which the artists will discuss the experiences that encouraged them to create contemporary visual art.