On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of Global Studies University and President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, delivered a special lecture titled “Thinking Historically in the Present” to MA students in Global African Studies.
The session, which aligned with the courses Theories and Museum Studies and Who Owns the Past: Introduction to Heritage in Africa, explored key issues of representation, curatorial practice, and heritage in both the Arab world and Africa. Drawing on her extensive career, Al Qasimi emphasized the importance of grounding curatorial work in the historical context and fostering community collaboration. Her lecture provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with a leading figure whose work has influenced the global conversation on contemporary art and institutional practices.
Her lecture comes shortly after her recognition as Officier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Embassy in the UAE on April 15, 2025. The prestigious award honors her significant contributions to the arts internationally. In addition to her work at Global Studies University, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi was recently appointed as Artistic Director for the 25th Biennale of Sydney, set to take place in 2026. She will collaborate with local communities and artists to shape the upcoming edition of the renowned international art event.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of Global Studies University and President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, delivered a special lecture titled “Thinking Historically in the Present” to MA students in Global African Studies.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of Global Studies University and President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, delivered a special lecture titled “Thinking Historically in the Present” to MA students in Global African Studies.
The session, which aligned with the courses Theories and Museum Studies and Who Owns the Past: Introduction to Heritage in Africa, explored key issues of representation, curatorial practice, and heritage in both the Arab world and Africa. Drawing on her extensive career, Al Qasimi emphasized the importance of grounding curatorial work in the historical context and fostering community collaboration. Her lecture provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with a leading figure whose work has influenced the global conversation on contemporary art and institutional practices.
Her lecture comes shortly after her recognition as Officier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Embassy in the UAE on April 15, 2025. The prestigious award honors her significant contributions to the arts internationally. In addition to her work at Global Studies University, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi was recently appointed as Artistic Director for the 25th Biennale of Sydney, set to take place in 2026. She will collaborate with local communities and artists to shape the upcoming edition of the renowned international art event.
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