Occupied Jerusalem becomes Capital of Arab Culture

Sharjah: In a symbolic ceremony held on Monday, the mantle of the Capital of Arab Culture was passed on to Occupied Jerusalem from Damascus.

The event, which officially marked the passing of the torch, was hosted by Sharjah Biennial at the Cultural Palace under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

"That this event should take place in Sharjah is telling, given that the Emirate was the Capital of Arab Culture in 1998, that it has worked ever since to continue, strengthen and promote the dialogue of traditional and contemporary culture within the region on a daily basis," said Jack Persekian, artistic director of Sharjah Biennial.

The ceremony was conducted by Dr Rafiq Al Hussaini, secretary general of Jerusalem Capital of Arab Culture 2009 and Dr Hanan Kassab Hassan, secretary general of Damascus Capital of Culture 2008.

"Hosting such a ceremony is a great honour for the 9th Sharjah Biennial, which is an excellent example that it has firmly established itself as a renowned and ambitious platform for Arab and International contemporary art," said Persekian.

The symbolic ceremony coincided with the informal opening of the Sharjah Biennial which will be held until May 16.

The first day of the Sharjah Biennial witnessed the launch of the 'March Meeting' at Bait Al Shamsi Heritage Area. The three-day symposium consists of workshops and seminars that feature more than 40 institutions from across the region and the United Kingdom.

"The Sharjah Biennial imposes no geographical classifications on displaying work," said Hoor Al Qasimi, director of the Sharjah Biennial 2009.

"We have also decided not to limit the selection process to a wish-list of participants, but have opted to consider work submitted by artists and non-artists alike, who were brave enough to take up the challenge and realise their ideas," she said.

The official inauguration of the Sharjah Biennial will be held on Thursday and is expected to feature over 80 artists from around the world.

Official launch: Art show

The official inauguration of the Sharjah Biennial will be held on March 19 and is expected to feature over 80 artists from around the world.