Overview

Join us for this year’s Bait Al Shamsi Nights, our annual community gathering at heritage house Bait Obaid Al Shamsi in Arts Square. From 9 December 2023 to 20 January 2024, explore visual arts such as block printing, drawing, painting and photography as well as sound art, creative writing and architecture.

Designed for all ages and abilities, the workshops and excursions are inspired by Sharjah Art Foundation exhibitions and/or SAF neighbourhood architecture and culture, with a focus on sustainability.

All sessions, offered in both English and Arabic, are led by professional artists and art practitioners. The activities are free, and materials are provided.

Workshops

Investigate Palestinian History through Archives
With Lynne Abdulhadi
Ages 11–15

Date: Saturday, 16 December 2023
Timings: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Languages: English and Arabic



Find out what archives and historical artefacts are and why they are essential for preserving history. You will view images of archival documents, history books and objects from Palestine, which are all resources for studying and understanding the long history of the country. Select one of the archival documents as inspiration, and create a zine reflecting what you have learned.

Paint the Sea
With Iman Shaggag
Ages 15+

Date: Saturday, 16 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Languages: English and Arabic



Find inspiration in the skyline of Sharjah's Corniche for this painting workshop. Create a painting that features the natural landscape and objects surrounding you.


Critical messaging: Make a Riso Poster
With Azim Al Ghussein
Ages:15+

Date: Saturday, 16 December 2023
Timings: 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
Languages: English and Arabic



Join Artist Azim Al Ghussein to find out how to create critical posters and print them using the Riso machine.


Discover Al Boorj Avenue and Sharjah's Urban Evolution
With Omar Darwish
Ages 17+

Date: Sunday, 17 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Language: English



Take an in-depth architectural walk through the 1970s development project of Al Boorj Avenue (Bank Street) by Spanish Firm TYPSA. Explore the construction and architectural significance of the structures, consulting historical maps, urban master plans and aerial photographs, and consider the impact of the development on Sharjah’s urban context. This session may be of particular interest to university students studying architecture and design.

Registration

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