Sharjah: The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial has announced the selection of 297 artworks by 145 artists from around the globe for its 12th edition, set to commence on October 7th under the theme “Balance.” Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture, the event promises to be a significant cultural gathering.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the selection process concluded with the classification of calligraphic works from a pool of 459 submissions by 182 calligraphers and artists. The chosen pieces represent a diverse array of styles, including traditional, modern, contemporary, and decorative calligraphy. The selection committee featured notable members such as Fatima Al Hammadi from the UAE, Mamoun Yaghmour from Syria, Munther Al Dulaimi from Iraq, Nour El Din Chater from Morocco, and Yasser Al Ashri from Egypt.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, who serves as the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, highlig
hted the Biennial’s status as a premier destination for Arabic calligraphy. This reputation, he noted, is bolstered by the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who is a staunch advocate of arts and culture. Sheikh Al Qasimi believes in the power of arts to foster communication between cultures and enhance the global presence of Arab culture.

The theme “Balance” for this edition is laden with artistic and cultural significance, reflecting the aesthetic and intellectual value of balance intrinsic to Arabic calligraphy. Al Qaseer emphasized that the Biennial’s continued allure of creative works aligns with Sharjah’s vision to nurture and preserve the art of Arabic calligraphy, ensuring its relevance for future generations and its presentation to a global audience in innovative ways.

The festival will also feature a competition with awards for exceptional works in the general exhibition, as judged by a panel. Prizes include a grand prize of US$15,000, th
ree awards for the “authentic” style, three for modern and contemporary calligraphy, and a special jury prize for Emirati calligraphers, each valued at US$8,000.

The general exhibition will showcase works in the “authentic” style, focusing on traditional artistic techniques in creating calligraphic paintings. These pieces uphold artistic traditions in text and tools, while the exhibition also highlights contemporary and modern calligraphy through letter-based artworks and installation art.