Sharjah Art Foundation Announces Autumn 2025 Programme

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: WAM

Sharjah Art Foundation has shared its exciting Autumn 2025 plans after the success of Sharjah Biennial 16, the March Meeting, and April Acts.

This season, the Foundation will present solo art shows by three well-known artists—Afra Al Dhaheri, Leda Catunda, and Rachid Koraïchi. These are their first big solo exhibitions in the region. The Foundation will also show many artworks from its collection at the Kalba Ice Factory for the first time since the building was restored.

Two new projects will also start in Autumn 2025. First, a new photography gallery will open in Al Manakh. This gallery is inside a renovated building that used to be a telecom center. It will display photos from the Foundation’s collection. Second, a new public space called Al Majarrah Park will open near the Rain Room Sharjah. The park was designed by an art group called Superflex, working with landscape experts, designers, and local people.

Afra Al Dhaheri’s art show will be the first of the season. Her work explores time and memory by using layers, repeated shapes, and different materials. It invites people to look closely at how time feels and changes.

Artist Leda Catunda’s show will feature her creative use of fabrics, printed materials, and everyday items. It will display her colorful and textured work from the 1980s to now. This exhibition is a partnership with Halle für Kunst Steiermark in Austria, where it will travel in June 2026.

Artist Rachid Koraïchi’s big exhibition will look at over 50 years of his art. His work focuses on signs, symbols, and languages from many cultures. His installations are influenced by Islamic spiritual traditions.

At the Kalba Ice Factory, visitors can see a wide collection of artworks from the Foundation. This is the first time the venue will be used this way since it was repaired.

In November, the Foundation will open the new photo gallery in Al Manakh. At the same time, Al Majarrah Park will open to the public, showing how art and nature can come together in a fun and useful way.

October will bring back Perform Sharjah, a special programme with live shows in Sharjah and Khorfakkan. These performances will take place in different spaces and aim to connect people through music, dance, and other art forms.

The eighth Sharjah Film Platform will also happen this season. It will show films from all over the world, with many of them being seen in the UAE for the first time. A panel will judge the films, and awards will be given to the best ones.

Focal Point, the Foundation’s art book fair, will return too. It’s a place for artists, writers, and readers to share and learn. The fair will have art books, zines, and workshops for people interested in design and printing.

Music will be a big part of this season. There will be concerts, talks, and jam sessions. Artists from different countries will share both traditional and modern music. At the end of the year, there will also be a special conference about ocean music traditions from the western Indian Ocean.

During Focal Point, two new books will be launched. More information on these events will be announced soon.