SMA unveils "I am at Sharjah Museums" exhibition

Attended by esteemed representatives from SMA along with distinguished guests from the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the event marks the finale of a unique photography competition designed to inspire students to connect with Sharjah’s diverse heritage. 
The competition, which continued until November 3 attracted many young talents who embraced the opportunity to capture the beauty and cultural significance of Sharjah’s museums through their lenses.
The exhibition features winning photos from young talents who explored SMA's 16 museums across Sharjah, Khorfakkan, and Kalba, capturing striking moments and perspectives—from the exquisite architecture of heritage sites to the evocative exhibits within these institutions. The museums cover themes such as Islamic culture, art, archaeology, and marine life.

The Sharjah Museums Authority expressed pride in the students' creativity and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing cultural appreciation among youth. 

Through providing a platform for young people to explore and showcase Sharjah's museums. SMA aims to foster a deeper connection to heritage and instill an enduring appreciation for the stories that shape the community's identity. 

The Authority views these images as a testament to the curiosity and pride that young people hold for their cultural surroundings.

Featured photographs include pieces like "Beauty and Tranquility" from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, "Sun Reflections" captured at Bait Al Naboodah, and "A World of Imagination" from the Sharjah Aquarium. Each photograph serves as a window into the unique character of each museum and the diverse historical and cultural narratives they preserve.
The competition targeted Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 students from both public and private schools, awarding 18 winners with cash prizes.

Additional recognition was given to the schools with the highest student participation, including Secondary Model School for Boys – Sharjah, Gulf Asian English School – Sharjah, and Al Ahliah Charity Private School for Girls, which recorded the top participation rates in the competition.

During this celebration, Jaena Francisco from The New Filipino Private School, one of the winners of the competition with her photo titled "Art of Diverse Materials," shared her passion for photography and her inspiration behind the winning image.

She expressed, "Photography has always been an interest of mine, and I actively participate in similar competitions at school. What drew my attention to this particular art display was my deep admiration for Arabic calligraphy. I believe these competitions are important as they foster artistic expression and help students connect with museums and cultural heritage.

Through this initiative, SMA encourages students to engage actively with cultural spaces, strengthening their connection to the UAE's legacy.

The competition, which aligns with SMA’s mission to promote creativity, critical thinking, and storytelling skills among young people, allowed participants to view the museums as dynamic spaces of inspiration and self-expression, enriching cultural and educational content, and raising awareness of the importance of museums.

The "I am at Sharjah Museums" exhibition will be on display at Bait Al Naboodah till April 6, 2025, welcoming students, families, and community members to explore and celebrate these youthful interpretations of Sharjah’s heritage. 

Attendees at the opening were invited to participate in an interactive workshop and guided tour, enhancing their experience with the art of photography and the narratives behind the winning images.
For details on upcoming exhibitions, workshops, and musem programs, please visit the Sharjah Museums Authority website at https://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/.