Sharjah Art Foundation

Sharjah Biennial 16

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
6 Febuary — 15 June 2025

Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Sharjah Art Foundation, 2019

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

Paint with Patterns
With Bahareh Kherzi
Ages 11–15

Date: Saturday, 20 January 2024
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Languages: English and Arabic



Henok Melkamzer’s art is rich in symbols and imagery. After viewing some of the artist’s work, create paintings filled with dense, multicoloured patterns of symbols, words and numbers.

Soap Making
With Nada AlQubbaj
Ages 15+

Date: Saturday, 20 January 2024
Timings: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Languages: English and Arabic



Learn about traditional Palestinian soap making, rooted in the ancient traditions of Nablus. Find out about the ingredients (e.g. olive oil, essences and herbs) and the tools, including moulds. Take home the soap you made.

Sculpt with Clay
With Toma Gabor
Ages 16+

Date: Saturday, 20 January 2024
Timings: 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Language: English



Delve into the principles and methods for creating clay sculpture. Learn basic moulding and carving techniques, and produce your own clay artworks.


Whispers of Heritage: Al Shuwaiheen, Al Shiokh, and Al Mureijah
With Salamah Al Hammadi
Ages 17+

Date: Saturday, 20 January 2024
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Meeting Point: Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Arts Square, Sharjah
Languages: English and Arabic



Explore the architectural evolution of Al Shuwaiheen, Al Shiokh and Al Mureijah neighbourhoods during a walking tour from Bait Obaid Al Shamsi in Arts Square to Al Mureijah Square. Engage with folk tales and personal anecdotes while gaining an understanding of the surrounding cultural tapestry, from both a historical and sociological perspective.

Registration

Registration has closed.