Introduction

The Sharjah Biennial is one of the most significant and established contemporary art events in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region. Founded in 1993 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the biennial has evolved into a vital platform for artistic experimentation and critical discourse.

Organized by the Sharjah Art Foundation, the biennial presents works by established and emerging artists from around the world, with a particular focus on artists from the Global South. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the UAE and the broader region, fostering international exchange and developing sustainable infrastructure for artistic production.

Narrative & Themes

The Sharjah Biennial distinguishes itself through its commitment to addressing complex geopolitical realities and cultural histories, particularly those of the MENASA region. Each edition is developed around a curatorial concept that responds to contemporary concerns while fostering dialogue between diverse artistic voices and practices.

The biennial consistently engages with themes of migration, colonialism, identity, environmental change, and technological transformation, often through the lens of local and regional contexts. It offers critical perspectives that challenge dominant art historical narratives, creating space for alternative modes of artistic production and reception.

Unlike more market-driven art events, the Sharjah Biennial emphasizes long-term community engagement, research-based projects, and site-specific commissions that respond to Sharjah's distinctive urban and cultural landscape. This approach has established the biennial as a significant incubator for innovative artistic practices that bridge local and global concerns.

History & Context

The inaugural Sharjah Biennial in 1993 emerged from the vision to establish Sharjah as a cultural center in the region. Initially focused on traditional art forms, the biennial underwent a significant transformation in the early 2000s, shifting toward contemporary art practices and critical engagement with global art discourses.

The establishment of the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009 marked a pivotal moment in the biennial's development, providing institutional infrastructure and expanded programming that extends beyond the biennial itself. This evolution reflects Sharjah's broader cultural policy of fostering arts education, preservation of heritage, and international exchange.

Exhibition Venues

The Sharjah Biennial utilizes a diverse range of venues throughout the city, combining purpose-built contemporary art spaces with historical buildings and public areas. The primary venue is the Sharjah Art Foundation's Al Mureijah Square complex, which features exhibition halls, courtyards, and studios set within a restored heritage area of the city.

Additional venues include the historic Bait Al Serkal, Al Hamriyah Studios, the iconic Flying Saucer building, and various locations in Sharjah's Arts Area. This distributed approach creates a cultural trail through the city, encouraging exploration of Sharjah's distinctive urban fabric while creating meaningful connections between contemporary art and local architectural heritage.