Sharjah Biennial
Encyclopedia
The Sharjah Biennial is a celebrated cultural event
in the Arab world
. It is organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation.
. It also needs to reach out to those working in other parts of the world, who do not necessarily need the Biennial’s support, but can positively contribute to the crucial dialogue among artists and practitioners, and the sharing of experiences in the progress of knowledge.
Festival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
in the Arab world
Arab world
The Arab world refers to Arabic-speaking states, territories and populations in North Africa, Western Asia and elsewhere.The standard definition of the Arab world comprises the 22 states and territories of the Arab League stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the...
. It is organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation.
Early days
Since its inception in 1993, the event has formed a cultural bridge between artists, art institutions and organisations locally, regionally and internationally. Produced by the Department of Culture and Information in the Emirate of Sharjah, the Biennial now holds a key regional position in the production and presentation of art and in fostering experimentation.Role
The Sharjah Biennial’s track record clearly indicates its defining role as one of the few art institutions in the region; it also spearheads a programme of support for artistic productions, access to their presentations and also actively assisting in their dissemination. This support, in light of the current developments in art and the incessant pursuit to define and re-define the role of the now mushrooming biennials all over the world, needs to be sensibly extended to artists operating in the region. This support plays a vital role in the development and sustainability of a budding yet vibrant art movementArt movement
An art movement is a tendency or style in art with a specific common philosophy or goal, followed by a group of artists during a restricted period of time, or, at least, with the heyday of the movement defined within a number of years...
. It also needs to reach out to those working in other parts of the world, who do not necessarily need the Biennial’s support, but can positively contribute to the crucial dialogue among artists and practitioners, and the sharing of experiences in the progress of knowledge.