His Highness visits Maraya Art Centre, Maraya Art Park and Barjeel Art Foundation

Sharjah, April 7, 2013 - His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation of the support extended by the emirate of Sharjah, represented by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to the UAE's cultural, arts and heritage movement and HH's outstanding efforts to establish its leading position. He also lauded the role of various establishments and agencies in the Emirate to translate these directives and visions, which have all contributed into making the Emirate a model of excellence in the region.

The statement was made during a visit made by His Highness yesterday (Saturday) to Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront and a number of other facilities and attractions in the emirate of Sharjah.

His Highness was received and accompanied by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Art Advisor, Shobha Pia Shamdsani, Sheikh Sultan bin Saoud Al Qasimi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Saud Meqdad Al Suwaidi, Director of Corporate Services Giuseppe Moscatello, Maraya Art Centre Manager, and UAE artist Khalid Shaffar.

Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: "The UAE under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa has become an important incubator of thought, culture, and arts and home to numerous Emirati and Arab creative artists. There is no doubt that the Emirate's achievements in this field are numerous to count as is clearly evidenced by the example of Maraya Art Centre. The efforts that have been expended to foster the development of culture and the arts truly is commendable and praiseworthy, particularly those of Sheikh Sultan bin Saoud Al Qasimi and his highly significant collection which continues to boost the success of the UAE's art movement."

Sheikh Sultan bin Saoud Al Qasimi, Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, said: "Creativity is a vital element inherent to the Emirati character. This has been highlighted by the artistic, intellectual, and cultural movement, which is constantly adding new Arab experiences to the UAE's wonderful bouquet of offerings. There is no doubt that the country's support is an active and influential factor in this continued development and we highly appreciate the visit of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as another important step in the way to stimulate Emirati creativity."

HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, said: "Taking care of the arts forms an important part of culture. The nurturing, highlighting, and supporting of art activities reflect an intellectual development that is in line with growth currently achieved by the country in many other fields and we will keep on progressing and building on these gains in our various plans. We are thrilled to see such a huge response from young people to these activities which serves as an excellent sign that the cultural movement in our thriving Emirate is on the right path".

His Highness toured Maraya Art Centre at Al Qasba, where he examined a number of artworks. HH met the UAE artist Khalid Shaffar and listened to a brief presentation about his work Naturally re-oriented, in which Shaffar explores the use of natural resources and static form and delivers an ecological statement on the importance of recycling and reusing materials.

His Highness also visited 'Blueprint' by Iraqi artist Adel Abidin, whose exhibition employs informal architecture and sound to create a large-scale interactive drawing. Transforming the gallery into a mock factory, this powerful new work explores the manufactured and globalised nature of 'Arab' identity in a post-Arab Spring era by using architectural drawings.

HH Sheikh Zayed then visited 'RE: Orient', an exhibition which is being held for the 6th time at Barjeel Art Foundation. He listened to a brief description from Sheikh Sultan bin Saoud Al Qasimi, Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, about the exhibition, which covers three decades of political and socio-cultural transition across the Arab region, investigates the art production of the 1950s to 1970s and features selected works from the collection of Sultan Saoud Al Qasimi. The visit, also, included Maraya Community.

In addition, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan visited the recently launched Maraya Art Park in Al Majaz Waterfront, and listened to a presentation by HE Marwan Al Sarkal about the concept of the park and the services it offers. HH toured the park and expressed his appreciation of Wafaa Bilal's exhibited artwork 'The Hierarchy of Being', which celebrates the achievements of Arab Muslim Scientists during the peak of the Golden Age of Islam and Arab scientific innovation.

-Ends-

For more information please contact:
Yousef Al Taweel
Sahara Communications
E-mail: yousuf@saharagcc.com
Mobile: 050 556 25 20

Fadia Daouk
Sahara Communications
E-mail: fadia@saharagcc.com
Mobile: 050 538 39 73 

© Press Release 2013