Latest news with #SalembinKhalidAlQassimi


Canada News.Net
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada News.Net
Al-Burda Exhibition inaugurated at Aga Khan Museum in Canada
TORONTO, 27th June, 2025 (WAM) -- Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, has officially opened the 'As the Sun Appears from Beyond' exhibition 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, also attended the inauguration. This marks the exhibition's debut in Canada. Running until February 15, 2026, the exhibition is a product of a cultural collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Al-Burda Award. It signifies a pivotal moment for the award, featuring over 60 contemporary artworks by past Al-Burda Award winners. Additionally, two pieces from the Al-Badr Award collection are presented, creating a compelling visual dialogue with historical and archaeological artifacts from the Aga Khan Museum's permanent collection. The exhibition delves into the rich evolution of Islamic arts, encompassing Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and Arabic poetry. The exhibition was curated by three graduates of the Al Burda Grant 2024 Curators: Fatma Al Mahmoud; Sara bin Safwan; and Shaikha Al Zaabi. Their collaborative effort presents a contemporary artistic vision that embodies cultural empowerment and cross-border knowledge exchange, reflecting the award's spirit and future aspirations. A robust cultural programme accompanies the exhibition, featuring specialised workshops, lectures, and seminars focusing on Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and Islamic ornamentation. Interactive performances are also part of the programme, designed to deepen public engagement with contemporary Islamic art and highlight its diversity and adaptability in expressing aesthetic values and cultural identity. Coinciding with the opening, a commemorative book titled "Like the Sun Appearing to the Eyes from Afar" was launched. This publication documents the exhibition and explores the artistic and intellectual dimensions of the Al-Burda Award in the context of its 20th anniversary. It includes a collection of essays by experts in Islamic arts, intellectuals, and art collectors, offering in-depth analysis and reflections on the award's role in empowering contemporary Islamic art and enhancing its global cultural presence. This book serves as a vital cultural and artistic reference, chronicling the development of calligraphy, ornamentation, and literary arts, and underscoring the UAE's commitment to supporting Islamic arts, fostering cultural exchange, and deepening appreciation for this ancient artistic tradition. In his opening remarks, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasised the event as a significant milestone in the Al-Burda Award's journey. He stated: "This exhibition represents a strategic step towards expanding cultural cooperation between the UAE and Canada. It reflects our firm commitment to presenting Islamic arts within contemporary frameworks that express shared human values and promote intercultural dialogue. In its 20th year, the Al-Burda Award continues to serve as a global Emirati platform, reintroducing Islamic arts to the world in a language attuned to the spirit of our times." He added: "We are proud that this edition of the exhibition is the result of a pioneering partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, which underscores the depth of cultural openness and the role of art in building bridges of civilizational dialogue. We look forward to continuing our work with international partners to empower creatives and contribute to shaping a more diverse and influential global cultural scene." Established in 2004, the Al-Burda Award has honoured over 390 talent worldwide, including poets, visual artists, and calligraphers specialising in Islamic arts. The award has evolved into a global Emirati platform that celebrates this ancient art form and the rich beauty of the Arabic language. It further strengthens the UAE's role in fostering creativity, preserving the artistic heritage of Islamic civilisation, and promoting outstanding works of art to international audiences.


Canada Standard
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
Al-Burda Exhibition inaugurated at Aga Khan Museum in Canada
TORONTO, 27th June, 2025 (WAM) -- Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, has officially opened the 'As the Sun Appears from Beyond' exhibition 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, also attended the inauguration. This marks the exhibition's debut in Canada. Running until February 15, 2026, the exhibition is a product of a cultural collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Al-Burda Award. It signifies a pivotal moment for the award, featuring over 60 contemporary artworks by past Al-Burda Award winners. Additionally, two pieces from the Al-Badr Award collection are presented, creating a compelling visual dialogue with historical and archaeological artifacts from the Aga Khan Museum's permanent collection. The exhibition delves into the rich evolution of Islamic arts, encompassing Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and Arabic poetry. The exhibition was curated by three graduates of the Al Burda Grant 2024 Curators: Fatma Al Mahmoud; Sara bin Safwan; and Shaikha Al Zaabi. Their collaborative effort presents a contemporary artistic vision that embodies cultural empowerment and cross-border knowledge exchange, reflecting the award's spirit and future aspirations. A robust cultural programme accompanies the exhibition, featuring specialised workshops, lectures, and seminars focusing on Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and Islamic ornamentation. Interactive performances are also part of the programme, designed to deepen public engagement with contemporary Islamic art and highlight its diversity and adaptability in expressing aesthetic values and cultural identity. Coinciding with the opening, a commemorative book titled "Like the Sun Appearing to the Eyes from Afar" was launched. This publication documents the exhibition and explores the artistic and intellectual dimensions of the Al-Burda Award in the context of its 20th anniversary. It includes a collection of essays by experts in Islamic arts, intellectuals, and art collectors, offering in-depth analysis and reflections on the award's role in empowering contemporary Islamic art and enhancing its global cultural presence. This book serves as a vital cultural and artistic reference, chronicling the development of calligraphy, ornamentation, and literary arts, and underscoring the UAE's commitment to supporting Islamic arts, fostering cultural exchange, and deepening appreciation for this ancient artistic tradition. In his opening remarks, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasised the event as a significant milestone in the Al-Burda Award's journey. He stated: "This exhibition represents a strategic step towards expanding cultural cooperation between the UAE and Canada. It reflects our firm commitment to presenting Islamic arts within contemporary frameworks that express shared human values and promote intercultural dialogue. In its 20th year, the Al-Burda Award continues to serve as a global Emirati platform, reintroducing Islamic arts to the world in a language attuned to the spirit of our times." He added: "We are proud that this edition of the exhibition is the result of a pioneering partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, which underscores the depth of cultural openness and the role of art in building bridges of civilizational dialogue. We look forward to continuing our work with international partners to empower creatives and contribute to shaping a more diverse and influential global cultural scene." Established in 2004, the Al-Burda Award has honoured over 390 talent worldwide, including poets, visual artists, and calligraphers specialising in Islamic arts. The award has evolved into a global Emirati platform that celebrates this ancient art form and the rich beauty of the Arabic language. It further strengthens the UAE's role in fostering creativity, preserving the artistic heritage of Islamic civilisation, and promoting outstanding works of art to international audiences.


Mid East Info
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Al Burda Exhibition Opens at the Aga Khan Museum in Canada - Middle East Business News and Information
Toronto, Canada – June 2025: H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, in the presence of H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Foreign Minister's Envoy to Canada and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, inaugurated the ' As the Sun Appears from Beyond' exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. The exhibition commemorates the 20th anniversary of Al Burda Award and highlights the cultural partnership between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Museum. Open to the public until 15 February 2026, the exhibition features over 60 contemporary works by Al Burda Award recipients, along with two special works from Al Badr Award, presented in visual dialogue with rare historical and archaeological artifacts from the Aga Khan Museum's collection. It explores the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, abstract painting, and the art of the word, highlighting an artistic journey that blends deep-rooted tradition with contemporary expression. Curated by Fatima Al Mahmoud, Sarah bin Safwan, and Sheikha Al Zaabi – three graduates of Al Burda Grant program – the exhibition embodies an artistic vision that reflects the spirit of the award and its future aspirations. It also serves as a testament to cultural exchange and creative empowerment across borders. Alongside the exhibition, a rich cultural program is taking place, offering a variety of talks, lectures, and hands-on workshops focused on Arabic calligraphy, Islamic ornamentation, and poetry. The program also features dynamic artistic performances and multidisciplinary activities that invite visitors to engage with Islamic art in an immersive and participatory way—extending the experience beyond the gallery space and highlighting the depth and vitality of contemporary expression. In conjunction with the exhibition, a commemorative book was produced to celebrate the 20-year legacy of Al Burda Award. Featuring contributions from renowned experts in Islamic art, the volume explores the Award's cultural significance and its role in advancing contemporary interpretations of Islamic aesthetics. Positioned as both a scholarly and creative resource, the publication enhances the exhibition's impact and reinforces the UAE's mission to preserve, promote, and recontextualize Islamic artistic traditions for global audiences. In his opening remarks, H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasised the significance of this occasion as a key milestone in journey of Al Burda Award. H.E. stated: 'This exhibition represents a strategic effort to deepen cultural collaboration between the UAE and Canada and reflects our commitment to presenting Islamic arts through a contemporary lens that resonates with shared human values and fosters intercultural dialogue. Now in its 20th year, Al Burda Award continues to serve as a global Emirati platform for redefining the presence of Islamic art on the world stage.' His Excellency added: 'We are proud to partner with the Aga Khan Museum for this landmark exhibition. It reflects our dedication to cultural openness and our belief in the power of art to build bridges between civilisations. We look forward to cultivating more partnerships with international institutions that empower creatives and contribute to a more inclusive global cultural landscape.' Established in 2004, Al Burda Award has recognised more than 390 talented individuals specialising in Islamic arts, including poets, calligraphers, and visual artists from around the world. It remains a leading UAE platform that celebrates the richness of Islamic art and the beauty of Arabic language. The award also highlights the UAE's role in promoting creativity and intercultural dialogue globally, preserving the artistic heritage of Islamic civilisation, and presenting outstanding works to a global audience.


Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Not just tech hype: Abu Dhabi puts humanity at the heart of AI
From AI to ancestry, museums to ministers—Abu Dhabi's Culture Summit 2025 unfolded as a global dialogue on how humanity can harness culture to navigate the future. From April 27–29, the capital of the UAE transformed into a meeting ground of minds and cultures, hosting the seventh edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi under the resonant theme Culture for Humanity and Beyond. The summit was more than a policy forum or a cultural showcase—it was a call to rethink the role of culture in a world increasingly shaped by technology and transformation. This year, more than ever, the conversations were urgent. The headlines are dominated by the rise of artificial intelligence, market fluctuations, and general uncertainty. At such a time, Abu Dhabi did something quietly radical: it asked the world to pause, gather, and consider what it truly means to be human. DCT Abu Dhabi hosted the three-day summit, which was themed 'Culture for Humanity and Beyond'. It brought together over 200 speakers, 100 sessions, and 3,700+ attendees from over 90 countries across six continents. Held in partnership with global institutions, including UNESCO, Google, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and The Economist Impact, the event offered a powerful blend of keynotes, policy dialogues, cultural performances, and creative panels. At its core, this year's summit asked a deeply urgent question: How does culture evolve—and guide us—in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? 'Culture is a powerful force that shapes creativity, preserves heritage, and propels societies towards a future defined by innovation and hope.' With these words, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, set the tone for the seventh edition of the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, held from April 27–29, 2025. Echoing that vision, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), added: 'Culture is not an afterthought; it's foundational. These gatherings matter more than ever, as they offer us the opportunity to chart a path towards a more sustainable and human-centred global society—with culture as its compass.' AI was not just a talking point—it was the spine of the summit's programming. On Day One, Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, set a reflective tone, warning that while AI promises extraordinary convenience and scale, it also carries a weight of unintended consequences. 'We are building machines that are smarter than us,' he noted, 'but are we teaching them to be wiser than us?' The conversation didn't stop at alarm. In sessions that followed, speakers from across disciplines—ranging from academia to architecture—called for a reframing of AI: not as a replacement for creativity, but as a tool to augment it. As a panellist Dr Patrick Noack from the Dubai Future Foundation argued, 'AI can serve as an accelerator—but never a substitute—for human imagination.' An emotionally resonant session featuring jewellery designer Lama Hourani, Dubai Opera's Paolo Petrocelli, and Broadway designer David Korins reminded audiences that AI may generate content, but it can't yet spark meaning. Beyond AI and policy, the summit expanded into unexpected cultural territories. A series of thought-provoking panels explored: How museums can serve as 'dynamic spaces of urgent relevancy' Why fashion is a cultural and intellectual force, not just an aesthetic How design can move beyond human-centred thinking in a multispecies world Speakers included some of the most influential minds in global arts and culture: Glenn D. Lowry (Director, Moma), Susan Buck-Morss (CUNY/Cornell), Iyad Rahwan (Max Planck Institute), and Sir William Sargent (Framestore). Their keynotes offered philosophical depth, practical insight, and urgent critiques of the systems shaping creativity today. A key highlight was the MONDIACULT 2025 Ministerial Dialogue, co-organised by UNESCO and DCT Abu Dhabi. Culture ministers from around the world engaged in a candid, high-stakes discussion about the evolving role of governments in shaping the future of culture in the digital era. Among the topics addressed are how AI can protect heritage, create economic opportunity, and amplify the creative potential of youth. The conversation reaffirmed a deep collective belief that culture is a core infrastructure of governance, not an afterthought. 'Today, it is an honour to see the collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi and UNESCO deepen,' said HE Al Mubarak. 'The presence of Culture Ministers here in Abu Dhabi sends a strong message: culture is a vital priority for governments worldwide.' Since its inception in 2017, the Culture Summit has grown into a platform that doesn't just respond to global trends—it helps set them. The 2025 edition underscored Abu Dhabi's long-term vision: to position culture as a strategic pillar of its economic, educational, and social development goals. That vision was mirrored in its partnerships—with organisations like teamLab, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Image Nation, and the Abrahamic Family House—and in the city's cultural infrastructure, which blends policy with performance, heritage with high-tech. As the summit drew to a close, the message left hanging in the air wasn't about the capabilities of AI or the future of museums. The Culture Summit didn't offer final answers, but it did offer a necessary space to pause, listen, and imagine together. In doing so, it reinforced a simple truth—if the future is to be truly human, culture must not follow behind technology. It must walk alongside it and, sometimes, lead.


Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurates ‘Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits' exhibition
18 May 2025 17:48 ABU DHABI (WAM)Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) inaugurated 'Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits – Contemporary Art from Korea, 1960s to Today,' on May 15 at Manarat Al attendance were Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Jae Song-yoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE; Choi Sook-ma, Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs at the Seoul Metropolitan Government; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi; Badr Jafar, UAE Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy; Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre; Sheikha Noor Fahem Al Qassimi, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation; and Mohamed Abdul Latif Kanoo, Member of the Foundation's Advisory Board, and a number of dignitaries and prominent figures from the cultural and artistic exhibition, which marks the first large-scale showcase of contemporary Korean art in the Middle East and running until June 30, of a major three-year partnership, this unprecedented initiative represents a strategic institutional collaboration between ADMAF Foundation and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA).The exhibition represents a shared cultural vision aimed at establishing Abu Dhabi as a global platform for cultural exchange and dialogue between civilisations. Spanning six decades, the exhibition traces the evolution of contemporary Korean art, revealing how artists have responded to the country's profound social and technological transformations through works that span diverse mediums, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving artistic Nahyan bin Mubarak stated during the inauguration of the Seoul Museum of Art's exhibition in Abu Dhabi, 'Hosting this exhibition in Abu Dhabi reaffirms the depth of cultural relations between the UAE and the Republic of South Korea. It embodies the vision of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening soft power and cultural diplomacy efforts, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global hub for civilisational dialogue and knowledge exchange. This is achieved through building partnerships, signing memoranda of understanding with leading cultural institutions, and launching innovative initiatives in music, performing arts, and visual arts.'He added, 'Featuring 48 exceptional works by pioneering South Korean artists, accompanied by an interactive community program open to all, this first-ever exhibition in the Middle East of the Seoul Museum of Art's collection at Manarat Al Saadiyat offers a unique opportunity to introduce local and regional audiences to the masterpieces of modern art. It presents a rich historical journey spanning from the 1960s to today—showcasing works that reflect deep human and cultural connection, while stimulating meaningful conversations around identity, society, and the increasing role of technology in shaping contemporary life. This initiative continues our unwavering commitment to raising cultural and artistic awareness, promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and openness to world cultures—paving the way for a more creative, diverse, and enriched future.'Huda Alkhamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Founder of Abu Dhabi Festival, said, 'The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) exhibition, held for the first time in the Middle East, is proof that culture complements the path of diplomacy, opens doors, transcends all borders, and touches hearts, like a hymn or a poem. Embracing values and connecting cultures, the exhibition transforms differences into creative exchange in a diverse world. The most beautiful aspect of it is the experience, with its depth and integrated cultural dimensions.'He continued, 'Through our historic partnership with the world-renowned Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) we are setting a precedent for international institutional partnerships - thanks to the strength and depth of our shared ties. This is the first exhibition of the museum's collections outside of Korea, and the first exhibition of this magnitude of Korean art in the Arab world. All of this is a living entity that is growing and developing, with the creative energy of the creative communities in Abu Dhabi, Korea and the world. This is a meeting of thought, innovation, and new opportunities with creativity that illuminates the future from Manarat Al Saadiyat and in the UAE's Year of the Community, from Abu Dhabi - A World of Harmony.'Eunju Choi, General Director of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) said, 'Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits marks the most extensive presentation of Contemporary Korean Art to date in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Featuring 48 works by 29 Korean artists, including seminal pieces from the Seoul Museum of Art's collection, the exhibition offers a compelling overview of current practices in Korean contemporary exhibition includes Nam June Paik's Self-Portrait Dharma Wheel (1998), and Ayoung Kim's Delivery Dancer's Sphere (2022), which together trace both the legacy and the future directions of Korean Media Art. Audiences in the GCC will have a unique opportunity to engage with the historical context, distinct characteristics, and future possibilities of Contemporary Korean Art."She added, 'In December, SeMA will continue this cultural dialogue by presenting Intense Proximities, an exhibition introducing contemporary art from the United Arab Emirates, at the Seosomun Main Branch of SeMA. We believe these exhibitions will not only foster greater understanding between our respective art communities, but also contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on contemporary art.'The exhibition is presented as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, with the support of the Festival's principal partners—Mubadala Investment Company and G42—and its energy partner, GS by SeMA curator Kyung-hwan Yeo and curator Maya El Khalil, 'Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits,' presents works from SeMA's collection of contemporary art for the first time in the UAE. Tracing the evolution of Korea's unique avant-garde contemporary art scene, the exhibition follows the media-driven expansions and connections evident in representative works by key Korean contemporary artists from the past sixty addresses how artists have responded to the dramatic social and technological changes in Korea through the amalgamation of media, highlighting artworks moving through layered, intersecting mediums, shifting from the intimate to the global, with perspectives on the past, present and on Nam June Paik's prescient 1966 statement 'We Are in Open Circuits,' which anticipated our hyper-connected contemporary world, the exhibition explores how art operates as a system of communication, exploring connections from our most intimate sensory experiences to mediations of the larger systems and structures that shape our urban, social and cultural the exhibition in the cultural context of Abu Dhabi imbues the works with new layers of meaning, particularly in a region which shares experiences of globalisation and rapid the exhibition is the first large-scale showcase of SeMA's collection beyond Korea and serves as an important platform to introduce Korea's artistic heritage to new audiences, expanding the reach of the museum exhibition will be accompanied by 'Layered Dialogues,' a publication featuring texts by UAE-based writers, deepening the cultural exchange between Korea and the spatial design by Formafantasma reinforced the exhibition's conceptual framework through material storytelling and architectural sensitivity. A dynamic public programme of panel talks, screenings, and performances further enriched the visitor addition, a series of panel discussions and artist film screenings will form part of the wider public programme, with full details to be shared online in due exhibition forms part of a long-term partnership between ADMAF and SeMA, aimed at fostering cultural dialogue between the UAE and South Korea. Following its Abu Dhabi debut, a second co-curated exhibition, Intense Proximities, will open at SeMA in Seoul in December 2025, premiering the work of three generations of UAE-based artists. Year of Community Continue full coverage