In a significant development for the art scene in the UAE, the Sharjah Art Foundation has inaugurated the first public photography studio, making a remarkable addition to the cultural landscape of Sharjah. Titled «الشارقة للفنون» تفتتحُ أول رواق عام للتصوير الفوتوغرافي في الإمارات, this initiative not only repurposes a historic building but also enhances the role of photography as an artistic medium in the region.
A New Cultural Hub for Photography
Located across from Kuwait Roundabout in the Al-Munakh area, the new photography studio occupies a former telecommunications building that dates back to the late 1970s. This structure is one of the earliest examples of modern architecture in Sharjah, emerging during a period of rapid urban expansion fueled by the oil boom. The building has undergone various modifications and partial demolitions since its inception until it was decommissioned in the early 2010s.
Through extensive historical research and meticulous documentation by the foundation’s team, the design of the photography studio emphasizes the exploration of the building’s historical layers while providing ample space for diverse programming. The Sharjah Art Foundation has carefully preserved selected elements of the building’s past, creating a visual and material dialogue between new materials and the original architectural fabric.
Facilities and Offerings
The two-story photography studio will serve as a multifunctional cultural center dedicated to the art of photography. It features a gallery displaying a collection of historical photographs from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, along with two exhibition halls, each characterized by distinct architectural features. The studio also includes educational spaces for lectures and workshops, a photo studio, a darkroom, and a café.
The studio’s comprehensive annual program includes the “Sharjah, A Perspective” exhibition focused on photography, which the foundation organizes each year, along with professional workshops, cinematic initiatives, and exhibitions featuring photographers from around the globe. This makes the studio a vibrant hub for photographic arts.
Part of a Broader Vision
This new photography studio joins a series of building repurposing projects undertaken by the Sharjah Art Foundation, including the Flying Saucer, Kallba Ice Factory, Old Al Dhaid Clinic, and the Arts Palace. These spaces host diverse public programs and facilitate a continuous dialogue between contemporary art and Sharjah’s rich architectural heritage.
Designed by Ali Al-Saqban and Neithra Ghaneeshan from the foundation’s architectural team in collaboration with Space Continuum Design Studio, the project was executed by Dawson Partners. The Sharjah Art Foundation continues to attract a wide array of contemporary art and cultural programs, invigorating the local art scene while promoting community engagement in Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider region.
Fostering Creativity and Cultural Dialogue
The foundation actively seeks to stimulate creative energies and produce distinctive visual arts driven by research, experimentation, and individuality. It opens avenues for dialogue with various cultural identities, reflecting the richness and diversity of the local environment. The Sharjah Art Foundation also encompasses essential initiatives like the Sharjah Biennial, March Meeting, the Residency Program, Educational Program, Production Program, as well as a growing collection of artworks and research publications.
In advancing public and educational programs, the foundation emphasizes the essential role that art plays in community life, reinforcing the importance of public education and an interactive approach to art while nurturing a thriving artistic community.