Under the theme “Inscriptions”

Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial to commence next October

 October 2024 – 30 November 2024

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the activities of the eleventh edition of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, organized by the Directorat of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture in Sharjah, is scheduled to begin next October, over a period of two months. The event will include local, Arab and international participations, to be displayed in various exhibition sites in Sharjah Emirate.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial preparatory committee selected “Inscriptions” as the theme of the Biennial’s eleventh edition.

The eleventh edition of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial comes with a new perspective, seeking to enhance the Sharjah’s pioneering role in underlining the importance of Arabic calligraphy, as an authentic, traditional type of art. Moreover, enhance the Biennial’s noble scheme towards Arabic calligraphy due to its importance and special status on the historical and Islamic level.

The theme“Inscriptions” reveals broad artistic connotations, giving the calligrapher a broader vision to achieve creative calligraphy works. It also refers to several ideas that contribute in exploring the aesthetics of calligraphy, moreover reflect the calligraphic works captivating energy that rise to a distinctive artistic status due to their unique creative nature.

The word (Inscriptions) has the meaning of visual, calligraphic and symbolic accomplishments wither engraved, written, or printed, and either animated, as in digital arts, or it may be repetitive units, as in print art and calligraphy. The purpose of this identification is to explore the manifestations of the calligraphic work and the expectations of its applications. Whereas the artist and the calligrapher may find a sort of a beginning through it, inspiring them to create works of art based on Arabic calligraphy, where its nature is defined by the imagination, the creativity, the work method and the personal perception of each artist.

Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial includes the following sections:

Solo exhibitions of the three honourees

General Exhibition (The competition includes eight prizes)

Contemporary calligraphy exhibitions

Solo exhibitions

Parallel international seminar

Art workshops and lectures