“Architecture in Arab Visual Art: Structures and Approaches”
The Sharjah Award for Artistic Criticism Research Announces the Theme of Its 17th Edition

Al Qaseer: The Vision of the Ruler of Sharjah Forms a Fundamental Pillar in Consolidating Arab Visual Culture and Enhancing the Status of Art Criticism

Sharjah –

The General Secretariat of the Sharjah Award for Artistic Criticism Research has approved “Architecture in Arab Visual Art: Structures and Approaches” as the theme for the award’s 17th edition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

This decision was made during a meeting held by the General Secretariat at the Department of Culture in Sharjah to select the theme of the new edition and to open participation to writers, critics, and those interested in art criticism, in accordance with the award’s terms and conditions.

Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture and Secretary-General of the award, stated:
“The continuous support provided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to artistic criticism research has formed a fundamental pillar in consolidating Arab visual culture and enhancing the status of art criticism as an active partner in developing the visual arts experience.”

He added that launching a new edition of the award is an extension of His Highness’s profound cultural vision, which places special importance on critical research and seeks to open new horizons for scholars and researchers to engage with the aesthetic and intellectual transformations in Arab visual art, contributing to building a broad critical reference that keeps pace with contemporary artistic movements.

Al Qaseer further explained:
“The award has established a strong presence and secured a distinguished position in the Arab intellectual landscape through its approach of documentation, publication, and dissemination of winning research, resulting in a qualitative accumulation of critical knowledge that serves as a reference for researchers and specialists. At the same time, the award has created a unique cultural environment that highlights Arab critics and showcases their scholarly contributions, having presented more than 68 male and female critics throughout its successive editions, whose research has enriched the Arab critical scene and strengthened its intellectual presence.”

Regarding the current edition’s theme, the Secretary-General said:
“The selection of the theme ‘Architecture in Arab Visual Art: Structures and Approaches’ reflects the award’s awareness of the deep relationship between visual arts and architectural space, as one of the most important aesthetic and intellectual sources in the Arab visual arts experience. The theme opens up multiple critical approaches that explore the presence of architecture in visual artworks—not merely as a visual element, but as a carrier of cultural meaning, memory, and place—allowing for analytical readings that reveal transformations in artistic vision and modes of expression in contemporary Arab visual art.”

It is worth noting that the Sharjah Award for Artistic Criticism Research is unique in the Arab world in this specific critical field. It is the only award dedicated to addressing a vital artistic topic while highlighting the efforts of Arab writers, critics, and academics. By continually renewing its critical themes and engaging with developments in visual language, the award has kept pace with the evolving landscape of fine arts.