An exhibition of contemporary art, the Sharjah Biennial, is a dream come true for any art enthusiast. As the name suggests, the large-scale art and cultural festival occurs once every two years. The biennial is open to the public. Every year the Sharjah Art Foundation decides a theme for the Biennial.
Sharjah Biennial 2027
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The 2027 Biennial theme, "What remains, sits restive" explores how unresolved histories and failed dreams of universal emancipation continue to shape the present. Curator Angela Harutyunyan focuses on the lasting impact of socialist modernity and anti-colonial struggles, questioning whether art can revive the emancipatory ideals left behind in today’s capitalist world. The biennial is generally held between the months of March and June.
Sharjah Biennial 2027 - Dates and Venue
Sharjah Biennial 2027 Dates: 21 January–13 June Sharjah Biennial Venue: Sharjah Art Foundation Art Spaces, the Sharjah Art Museum, and the nearby traditional buildings and courtyards of the Arts and Heritage areas. Apart from Sharjah the exhibitions also take place in Kalba, a city in the Emirate of Sharjah.
For Sharjah Venues: 9:00 am–9:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday 4:00 pm–11:00 pm on Friday
For Kalba Venues: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday to Thursday 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Friday
Artists at the Sharjah Biennial 2027
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Sharjah Biennial 17, titled "What remains, sits restive", will run across multiple venues in Sharjah, bringing together 109 artists and participants from around the world. Curated by Angela Harutyunyan and Paula Nascimento, the biennial explores themes of memory, unfinished histories, socialism, anti-colonial struggles, and cultural transformation. The exhibition features a diverse lineup of contemporary artists, collectives, and thinkers engaging with the political and social realities shaping the present. Visitors can register or seek more information by emailing [email protected]
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So far, Sharjah Biennial 17 has announced its curatorial framework, participating artists, and exhibition dates, but the detailed list of public programs, workshops, talks, screenings, performances, and educational activities has not yet been officially released. The Biennial will run from 21 January to 13 June 2027, with an opening week scheduled from 21–24 January 2027.
Based on previous editions by Sharjah Art Foundation, the Biennial is expected to include:
-Artist talks and panel discussions -Film screenings and live performances -Community and educational workshops -Guided exhibition tours -Family and children’s art activities -Curator-led conversations and seminars -Music and interdisciplinary cultural programs
History of the Sharjah Biennial
The Biennial started in 1993 and was initially organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information. Initially, the Biennial focused on promoting traditional and regional arts and practices, and only one artist was allowed from each participating country. But the organization of this international event was taken over by the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009. Hoor Al Qasimi, president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, has played a pivotal role in creating the present image of the Sharjah biennial. The Biennial is now more involved in representing individual artists and their vision. In 1993 the biennial, which started as a commercially oriented exhibition, has now developed into various workshops and performances.
