Sharjah-His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday visited the Heart of Sharjah area where he inspected new buildings and art spaces for the Sharjah Art Foundation.
Accompanied by Shaikha Hour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation, Shaikh Sultan inspected the progress of work on the art project, which is due to be opened with the launch of the next edition of the Sharjah Biennial.
Shaikh Sultan was briefed on the project’s phases and the progress of work by Mona Al Mussafi, Co-Professor of the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah (AUS).
He gave directives on the designs of the existing buildings and infrastructure schemes so as to be in harmony with the surrounding buildings and services in the old area.
The Dh49 million Art Buildings project, undertaken by the Department of Public Works and the Sharjah Art Foundation, is characterized by its unique and vital location within the Heart of Sharjah area, currently being developed the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
The art project, which marks a unique initiative aiming at promoting visual arts in the Gulf and Arab region, is implemented in line with the directives of Shaikh Sultan.
The project comprises five new buildings covering an area of 20,000 square feet. Work on the construction of these buildings started in 2009.
The selection of the Heart of Sharjah to set up buildings and art spaces is attributed to its significance as it represents the cultural and historical identity of Sharjah.
The project is implemented with the aim of reviving the historic and heritage areas… and transforming Sharjah into a tourist and trade destination with modern contemporary artistic touches
