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
Colour Sculptures of Sharjah’s Traditional Architecture
With Basem Al Sayer
Ages 6–10
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Languages: English and Arabic
Tour Bait Obaid Al Shamsi to find out about the traditional architecture of Sharjah’s past, especially the decorative elements (e.g. doors, ornamental patterns, barajeel [wind towers]). Then, inspired by the architectural details, transform white gypsum sculptures into colourful artworks.
Draw the Architecture of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi
With Donna Ashraf
Ages 11–15
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Languages: English and Arabic
Connect with the architecture of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi by drawing your surroundings and capturing the texture of the walls and stairway as well as the traditional architectural elements and style of the building. Use pencil to sketch and oil pastels to add colour and details to your drawings.
Investigate the Impact of the InterContinental Sharjah
With Omar Darwish
Ages 17+
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Language: English
Delve into the development of globalised hotel networks in Sharjah through a visit to the InterContinental Hotel, designed by The Architects Collaborative (TAC) in 1980. Tour the site, and consider how architecture was used to respond to the region's needs within the constraints of globalisation. This session may be of particular interest to university students studying architecture and design.
Here We Are: Write Yourself into Place
With Bhoomika Ghagada
Ages 15+
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Language: English
Every setting for a story becomes a story about a place. You cannot write fiction without a setting, but what does fiction look like when it aims to characterise or claim places for particular purposes? As you work with prompts and readings, tap into the enormous power of fiction to disrupt. Unlearn preconceived ideas, highlight less visible settings and explore personal challenges.
Write and Share a Story
Ages 11–15
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2023
Timings: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Language: English
Inspired by a story or experience, compose a one-page narrative and read it aloud to other workshop participants. A selection of books will be available to help you come up with ideas.
Registration
Registration has closed.