Latest news with #SharjahArchitectureTriennial


Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Mona El Mousfy outlines vision for Sharjah Architecture Triennial
"Today, we are proud to launch the third edition of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial," El Mousfy announced. "This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter where we delve deeply into conversations around architecture, urbanism, and city life." This year's edition introduces a dynamic curatorial team, led by anthropologist and curator Vyjayanthi Rao and associate curator Tau Tavengwa. El Mousfy expressed strong confidence in their ability to bring fresh energy and critical perspectives to the event. "We are very excited about their participation. With their engagement, research into urbanism, and Rao's anthropological background, this edition will carry real boldness and vigor," she said. El Mousfy emphasised to 'Sharjah 24' that Sharjah Architecture Triennial will focus on immersive engagement with the city and the complexities of urban life. "This edition will be very much engaged with the city and city life," she noted, underlining a strong connection between the Triennial's themes and Sharjah's evolving urban landscape. The Triennial is expected to draw attention from global and regional audiences, continuing Sharjah's growing influence in the cultural and architectural dialogue.


Gulf Today
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan receives Governor of Japan's Aichi Prefecture in Sharjah
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, received Hideaki Omura, Governor of Japan's Aichi Prefecture, on Sunday, at Al Badi' Palace. At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Sultan warmly welcomed the Governor and his accompanying delegation, engaging in friendly conversation about topics of mutual interest and building bilateral relations in the fields of arts, artist support, and talent development. The Ruler of Sharjah was introduced to the Japanese delegation's initiatives in Aichi Prefecture, including its various cultural events, most notably the upcoming sixth edition of the Aichi Triennale, set to take place this September. The triennial will feature the participation of 66 artists from 22 countries. It was also announced that Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, has been selected as the Artistic Director of the Aichi Triennale. Led by Hideaki Omura, the Japanese delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm reception by Sheikh Sultan, sharing their happiness at visiting Sharjah. They commended Sheikh Sultan's continued efforts in supporting the arts and various initiatives that elevate the status of art and empower artists. The head of the delegation also praised Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her extensive experience and pioneering work in the field of contemporary art, both locally and globally. This, he noted, contributed significantly to her selection as Artistic Director of the Aichi Triennale, representing a valuable addition to the festival. Sheikh Sultan and the Governor of Aichi Prefecture exchanged commemorative gifts and posed for group photos. The Ruler of Sharjah extended his best wishes for success to everyone involved in supporting and promoting the arts. The reception was attended by Sheikha Hoor, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial; Sheikha Nawar Bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Jun Imanishi, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; along with several officials from Aichi Prefecture's cultural sector. WAM


Sharjah 24
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ruler receives Governor of Japan's Aichi Prefecture
Strengthening Cultural Ties and Artistic Cooperation At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness warmly welcomed the Governor and his accompanying delegation, engaging in friendly conversation about topics of mutual interest and building bilateral relations in the fields of arts, artist support, and talent development. Highlighting Japan's Artistic Initiatives His Highness was introduced to the Japanese delegation's initiatives in Aichi Prefecture, including its various cultural events, most notably the upcoming sixth edition of the Aichi Triennale, set to take place this September. The triennale will feature the participation of 66 artists from 22 countries. It was also announced that Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, has been selected as the Artistic Director of the Aichi Triennale. Appreciation from the Japanese Delegation Led by Hideaki Omura, the Japanese delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm reception by His Highness, sharing their happiness at visiting the Emirate of Sharjah. They commended His Highness's continued efforts in supporting the arts and various initiatives that elevate the status of art and empower artists. Recognition of Sheikha Hoor's Leadership in Contemporary Art The head of the delegation also praised Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her extensive experience and pioneering work in the field of contemporary art, both locally and globally. This, he noted, contributed significantly to her selection as Artistic Director of the Aichi Triennale, representing a valuable addition to the festival. Exchange of Commemorative Gifts and Group Photos His Highness and the Governor of Aichi Prefecture exchanged commemorative gifts and posed for group photos. His Highness extended his best wishes for success to everyone involved in supporting and promoting the arts. Attendees at the Reception The reception was attended by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial; Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Jun Imanishi, Consul General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; along with several officials from Aichi Prefecture's cultural sector.


Trade Arabia
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026 appoints curators
Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) has announced Vyjayanthi Rao as curator of its third edition (SAT03), joined by Tau Tavengwa as associate curator. Taking place in 2026, the Triennial is a platform for architecture and urbanism from West Asia to South Asia and the African continent. An anthropologist, writer, artist, and curator based in New York and Mumbai, Rao brings a multidisciplinary perspective and a deep sensitivity to context in her work. With a background in socio-cultural anthropology, her writing has contributed significantly to critical discourse on urbanism and the built environment, with a focus on India and the United States, and her practice increasingly bridges research and public engagement. For SAT03, Rao works closely with London and Cape Town-based architect, curator, and publisher Tavengwa, continuing a rich dialogue that began with their curatorial collaboration for the 2022 Lisbon Architecture Triennale. Tavengwa is the founder and editor of Cityscapes Magazine, a publication dedicated to exploring urbanism from a Global South perspective, and the co-founder of CS Studio, an interdisciplinary urbanism studio. Mona El-Mousfy, advisor for the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, commented: "We are thrilled to have Vyjayanthi Rao as curator for our upcoming edition. Her deep knowledge of urbanism, with her particular focus on South Asian cities and neighborhoods, brings invaluable insight to the project. With her background in anthropology and her research-driven approach, she will undoubtedly offer a fresh perspective to this edition. "Vyjayanthi has invited her long-time collaborator, Tau Tavengwa, to join as associate curator. Tau is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the field and reimagining the architecture Triennial model alongside her." The curators will collaborate closely with the Triennial team to build on its ongoing initiatives in the public realm, drawing on its deep knowledge of the city and community networks, while contributing broader perspectives on architecture's role in shaping more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive cities. Aligning with the Sharjah Architecture Triennial's focus on process as a means of idea generation, Rao and Tavengwa invite SAT03 to adopt a propositional, rather than representational, approach. Rao and Tau said: "We are hugely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important and distinctive platform as the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. Through our collaboration, we hope to open up new ways of thinking about what a triennial like Sharjah can become over time - leaving behind tangible strategies and ideas that respond to the needs and challenges of contemporary urban centres across the Global South and beyond." Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, commente: "Rao's practice, which offers vital insights into urbanisation, aligns with the context of SAT and Sharjah's ongoing urban transformation. Her work speaks directly to the Triennial's mission in terms of our commitment to research, innovation and knowledge-sharing, and we are excited to support both her and Tau in fostering a public-facing conversation around the critical, and complex, issues of today." On May 10, 2025, Sharjah Architecture Triennial will host "Meet the Curators of the 2026 SAT Edition," a public event at SAT headquarters, Al Qasimiyah School, marking the first official appearance of Vyjayanthi Rao and Tau Tavengwa as SAT03 curator and associate curator. This gathering will offer audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the newly appointed team as they share initial insights into their curatorial approach and vision for the upcoming edition. The conversation will unfold in dialogue with members of the SAT team, offering a first look into the conceptual framework shaping SAT03.


Gulf Today
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
French honour for Hoor Al Qasimi
Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, on Tuesday received the insignia of Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), conferred by Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, during a ceremony at The Flying Saucer, Sharjah. Since 1957, this award has honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts. The insignia of the Order of Arts and Letters is an expression of France's recognition of those who have actively worked to promote art and culture both in France and abroad. Al Qasimi remarked, 'It is with great honour that I receive this award granted by the Embassy of France in the UAE. The insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters is a wonderful reflection of the collaborations and cultural exchanges that have shaped my work, in Sharjah, the UAE and internationally. It reaffirms the importance of continuing to build cultural dialogue through the arts. I accept this recognition, not only for myself, but for all those who have supported, guided and inspired me throughout my journey.' Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador from France to the UAE and Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul-General of France in Dubai, together with French Embassy staff Stéphanie Salha, Adviser for Cooperation and Cultural action of the Embassy of France in the UAE and the Director of the Institut Français in the UAE and Marie Lozon de Cantelmi, Cultural Attaché, were present for the official conferment of the award. Niemtchinow comented, 'It is a great honour to award Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qassimi the insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters today in Sharjah. This award is a recognition of Sheikha Hoor's remarkable contribution to strengthening cultural and artistic ties between France and Sharjah and, more generally, between France and the UAE. Sheikha Hoor's commitment to Franco-Emirati friendship is further exemplified by her role within the Alliance Française of Sharjah. I also commend the Sharjah Biennial, which has become a reference in the world of contemporary art. Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor has always worked to showcase French and Francophone artists in this Biennial.' Also in attendance were a number of distinguished guests, including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Government Relations Department; Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation; Sheikha Noora Al Mualla, Director of Learning and Research at Sharjah Art Foundation; Sheikha Rad Alqasimi, Secretary General of the International French Association in Sharjah; Audrey Leseigneur, Director of Alliance Française Sharjah; and Mona El-Mousfy, Adviser to the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. Alongside her role at Sharjah Art Foundation, Al Qasimi also serves as President of the International Biennial Association; President of The Africa Institute, Sharjah; Director of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial; head of Sharjah's Global Studies University; and President of the Sharjah Creative Quarter. She is also the Artistic Director of the upcoming 6th Aichi Triennale (2025) and the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026). WAM