Sharjah Calligraphy Forum Opens with 681 Artworks and 93 Events
The 12th edition of the prestigious Sharjah Calligraphy Forum launches this week, showcasing works by 272 artists from across the globe and featuring an extensive programme of exhibitions, workshops and seminars celebrating Arabic calligraphy.
The 12th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum will open on Wednesday under the distinguished patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This celebrated biennial event presents 681 artworks by 272 artists alongside 93 carefully curated events, running for more than 45 days until mid-November.
Hosted across multiple cultural venues including Calligraphy Square, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of the Arts Sharjah and 1971 – Design Space, the forum showcases the finest contemporary and traditional interpretations of this ancient art form. This year’s theme, “Mizan”, emphasises the balance and precision that lie at the heart of Arabic calligraphy.
The forum programme encompasses 26 exhibitions presenting works by artists from the United Arab Emirates and countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Italy, China, Canada, Pakistan, India, Germany, Türkiye and Indonesia. The 681 artworks encompass installations, lettering works, murals, paintings, traditional calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation displayed across multiple cultural institutions throughout the emirate.
A comprehensive educational component features 61 art workshops addressing calligraphy techniques, styles and contemporary practices, complemented by visual presentations and three specialised lectures. An international seminar at House of Wisdom, titled “Arabic Calligraphy between Authenticity and Global Leadership”, will convene researchers, academics and artists from across the Arab world and beyond.
Notable exhibitions include “Al-Hilya Al-Sharifa”, presenting the hilya through diverse calligraphic interpretations; “Mizan”, exploring the flexibility inherent in the Arabic letter; and “Pioneers”, celebrating the heritage of traditional Arabic calligraphy. Sharjah Art Museum will present photographic exhibitions in partnership with the Union of Arab Photographers and the Emirates Photography Society, whilst House of Wisdom hosts “In Balance: From the Dot to Meaning”, featuring four artistic experiences exploring the development of the Arabic letter from dot to semantic completion.
The forum will honour distinguished calligraphers: Egyptian artist Khalifa Al Shimi, Moroccan master Belaid Hamidi and Emirati calligrapher Ali Al Hammadi. Awards recognising outstanding achievement include a Grand Prize, three awards for traditional approaches, three for modern and contemporary calligraphic arts, and a special jury award for an Emirati practitioner.
Since its establishment in 2004, the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum has helped restore Arabic calligraphy to prominence on the global art stage, providing artists with meaningful opportunities to connect traditional practice with contemporary expression.
Source: WAM