Hoor Al Qasimi on Sharjah Art Foundation's Cultural Mission

Hoor Al Qasimi, daughter of the ruler of Sharjah, has led the Sharjah Art Foundation since its creation in 2009, transforming the emirate into a cultural hub. The foundation grew out of the Sharjah Biennial, which began in 1993, and now runs year-round programs including March Meeting, residencies, and exhibitions in restored historic buildings. Al Qasimi emphasizes the importance of political art, citing Documenta as an inspiration. She discusses the foundation's decentralized approach, its collection plans for a new building near the university, and the significance of March Meeting's 2022 theme 'The Afterlives of the Postcolonial.' She also addresses double standards in Western discourse on Palestine and the need for flexibility in cultural institutions. The next Biennial will open a month earlier to run four months, coinciding with Ramadan, and will include a new space in the central desert region. Al Qasimi serves as president of the International Biennial Association, promoting collaboration among biennials. She stresses the importance of community engagement over visitor numbers.