Located in Sharjah’s historic Art and Heritage Areas, Sharjah Art Foundation activities and events take place throughout the year and include exhibitions featuring the work of Arab and international artists, performances, music, film screenings and artist talks as well as extensive art education programs for children, adults and families. The Foundation hosts the annual March Meeting and every two years presents the Sharjah Biennial.
Sharjah Art Foundation brings a broad range of contemporary art and cultural programs to the communities of Sharjah, the UAE and the region.
Recognizing the central and distinctive contribution that art makes to society, Sharjah Art Foundation cultivates a spirit of research, experimentation and excellence by offering support to artists and art practitioners, while acting as a catalyst for collaboration and exchange within the Middle East and beyond.
Sharjah Art Foundation core initiatives include the Sharjah Biennial, the annual March Meeting, residencies, production grants, commissions, exhibitions, research, publications and a growing collection. The Foundation’s education and public programs focus on building recognition of the central role art can play in the life of a community by promoting public learning and a participatory approach to art.
Inspired by the cross-fertilization and rich cultural diversity of the Emirates, the Foundation provides both national and international leadership in the production and presentation of contemporary visual arts.
Sharjah Art Foundation is a legally independent public body established by Emiri Decree and supported by government funding, grants from national and international nonprofits and cultural organizations, corporate sponsors, and individual patrons. All events are free and open to the public.