Sharjah: Aside from artworks, selections of films and concerts are among the main attractions at this year's Sharjah Biennial.
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday opened the 10th edition of the event, which will run for two months.
More than 100 participants from over 30 countries are showcasing their paintings, sculptures and films at various venues across Sharjah, including Sharjah Art Museum, Heritage and Arts Area, Sharjah Institute for Theatrical Arts, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Hamra Cinema at Al Arouba Street.
This year's Biennial is being held under the theme "Plot for a Biennial", and is under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan. The event is overseen by renowned curators Suzanne Cotter, Rasha Salti and Haig Aivazian, and is led by artistic director Jack Persekian.
"We are now working with a much wider range of artists and practitioners including visual artists, as well as film makers, musicians, dancers, writers, editors and translators to create art works, short films and publications that expand on the 2011 Biennial's theme," said Persekian.
As part of the activities of Sharjah Biennial 10, a series of musical evenings titled "A Score for a Biennial" that spans across three evenings for the first week, will be staged at the open courtyard of Bait Al Shamsi, Sharjah Arts Area.
Complex collaboration
The programme will unfold around complex collaboration where artists and musicians will engage in dialogues through jazz, alternative rock and layered samplings of field recordings.
More than 65 commissioned films will be shown, which include seven short fiction and non-fiction films inspired from the keywords outlined in the events conceptual framework. The Biennial's opening week also features Mushrooms and Fig Leaves, a commissioned piece of work by choreographer Omar Rajeh. The dance will be performed by the Beirut-based Maqamat Dance Theatre.
- What: Sharjah Biennial 10
- Where: Sharjah Art Museum and various areas of the city
- When: March 16 - May 16, 2011
Timings:
- March 16 - 19 (opening week)
- Saturday - Thursday: 10am-10pm
- Friday: 4-10pm
- March 20 - May 16
- Saturday - Thursday: 8am-8pm
- Friday: 4-8pm
