Sharjah Biennial Directors Shape Arab Contemporary Art Landscape
Since 2002, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has directed the Sharjah Biennial, transforming its programming from traditional arts to contemporary productions. The biennial was established in 1993 and has grown into a major cultural event in the Arab world. Jack Persekian served as artistic director for the 7th edition in 2005 and now leads the Sharjah Art Foundation, which develops residencies, production initiatives, and educational programs to extend the biennial's cultural impact. Al Qasimi also supports Art Dubai as a patron. Together, these figures wield significant influence over both intellectual and financial resources within the regional art scene.
Key facts
- Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has been director of the Sharjah Biennial since 2002
- The Sharjah Biennial was founded in 1993
- Jack Persekian was artistic director of the 7th Sharjah Biennial in 2005
- Jack Persekian is currently director of the Sharjah Art Foundation
- The Sharjah Art Foundation runs residencies, production, and education programs
- Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a patron of Art Dubai
- The Sharjah Biennial is a defining event in the Arab cultural calendar
- The biennial's focus shifted from traditional to contemporary arts under Al Qasimi's leadership
Entities
Artists
- Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi
- Jack Persekian
Institutions
- Sharjah Biennial
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- Art Dubai
Locations
- Sharjah