Sharjah Art Foundation unveiled 16th edition of Sharjah Biennial

Exploring the ever-expanding questions of what to carry and how to carry it, SB16 is an invitation to encounter the different formations and positions of the five curators, which extend to more than 17 venues across the Emirate of Sharjah, including sites in Sharjah City, Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid and Kalba. Each venue proposes a conceptual framework, often inspired by the cultural and historical context of the location. Through this collaborative effort, curatorial ideas find collective expressions that add different layers to reading and experiencing the Biennial.

SB16 looks at how we navigate life within spaces that are not our own and how we respond to these spaces through the cultures we hold. The title to carry connects stories and traditions across generations and cultures, asking what we bring with us when we travel, flee, survive or stay. The Biennial therefore becomes a space for collective wayfinding, helping audiences make sense of the world by reflecting back, inwards and across in times of transition.

SB16 opened on 6 February 2025 with a public ceremony at Mirage City Cinema, the open-air theatre in Sharjah’s historical quarter, led by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation and Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation, along with the five SB16 co-curators. The day concluded with a gala dinner and awards ceremony in the presence of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

This year’s Sharjah Biennial Prize winners, Aziz Hazara, Pallavi Paul and Pratchaya Phinthong were selected by a distinguished jury comprised of architect and curator Paula Nascimento, co-founder of Beyond Entropy Africa and co-curator of the award-winning Angola Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2013); Eungie Joo, formerly Curator and Head of Contemporary Art at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Artistic Director at Instituto Inhotim, Brumadinho, Brazil, and curator of Sharjah Biennial 12 (2015); and Gerardo Mosquera, co-founder of Havana Biennial, and co-curator of the San Juan Poly/Graphic Triennial (2015–2016) and Guangzhou Image Triennial (2021).

The Biennial’s four-day opening programme continued until 9 February 2025, offering a series of performances by Reetu Sattar, Mila Turajlić, Rully Shabara, Luana Vitra, Joe Namy, Sancintya Mohini Simpson, Ellen Pau, Bilna’es, Septina Layan and Tishani Doshi; activations by Michael Parekōwhai, John Clang and Jorge González Santos; and a film screening by Roy Samaha.

“We are truly honoured by the recognition and respect that the Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Art Foundation have garnered over the years. This is reflected in the ever-expanding network of relationships we continue to nurture with our esteemed partners and institutions, both regionally and internationally,” said Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation.

This year’s biennial is made possible by several generous supporters including Sharjah Tourism & Commerce Development Authority, Crescent Enterprises and Alef Group.

“Sharjah Biennial is a leading platform that reflects Sharjah’s commitment to supporting arts and culture, while strengthening its position as a creative hub that brings together artists and innovators from around the world. This exceptional event embodies Sharjah’s vision of fostering cultural exchange and highlighting artistic dialogues that enrich both the local and international cultural landscape,” remarked His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Tourism & Commerce Development Authority (SCTDA).

“At SCTDA, we are proud to support this initiative, which plays a key role in positioning the emirate as a premier destination for cultural and artistic tourism. Sharjah Biennial combines rich heritage with modern creativity, offering a unique experience for visitors and participants alike. We look forward to welcoming art and culture enthusiasts from across the globe to be part of this extraordinary event that reflects the spirit of Sharjah and its ambitious vision,” H.E. Al Midfa continued.

"Sharjah Biennial 16 underscores the power of artistic expression in fostering cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. As a proud patron and strategic partner, Crescent Enterprises is honoured to support this platform, which cultivates talent and inspires fresh perspectives. We congratulate the Sharjah Biennial Prize winners and remain committed to advancing innovation and creativity to connect and enrich communities in the region and beyond,” commented Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises

“We are proud to sponsor the 16th edition of Sharjah Biennial. Our partnership with this landmark event goes beyond mere support; it reflects our deep commitment to fostering the arts and culture in Sharjah, the UAE, and beyond. It underscores our dedication to bridging local and international communities while shaping an artistic future that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary expression,” stated Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group.

 “We congratulate all the artists on their outstanding contributions and reaffirm the Biennial’s pivotal role in nurturing talent and enriching the cultural landscape,” Ataya continued.