“Assembly” will feature multimedia works from contemporary Emirati artists and a series of pieces from the privately-owned Barjeel collection

Sharjah, March 18, 2010 – Maraya Art Centre is hosting its first external exhibition titled ‘Assembling' at this week's Bastakiya Art Fair (BAF), held from March 15-21 in the historic area of Bastakiya located by Dubai creek.  The exhibit showcases a variety of artworks from two young Emirati artists— Alaa Edris and Shayma Almadfa—who are presenting installation, video and painting projects.  The exhibit also features works from the privately-owned Barjeel art collection, a series of Arabian pieces assembled by Sultan Sooud al-Qassemi.

According to Giuseppe Moscatello, Arts & Culture Organizer at Al Qasba, Maraya seeks to create an authentic and meaningful art experience though collaborative projects with partners in the local and international art community.

BAF is an important platform that focuses international attention on Dubai's art and cultural agenda, timed to coincide with and complement Art Dubai.  Commenting on Maraya's participation at BAF, Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director of the Al Qasba Development Authority, said that the festival is an exceptional opportunity to showcase Sharjah's cultural diversity and vibrancy to a wide range of international audiences. 

“This collaborative effort has brought together people from all over the world, and as a relatively new Art Centre, we are honored and excited to be able to establish our name among the top facilities in the UAE,” added Sawaf. 

Maraya Art Centre, which was inaugurated recently by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, will be a stage for creative experimentation and a testament to the region's extraordinary artistic genius, hosting a panorama of the region's finest compositions. The Centre is comprised of three levels which have a unique theme tying the pieces together in custom-built exhibition spaces.

The first level is known as “The Shelter”, a multimedia retreat for artists seeking to make an impact on the local scene and collaborate with others in the business.  The second floor of Maraya features a permanent exhibition titled The House of Arab Art, through which Maraya collaborated with The Barjeel Art Foundation, which was conceived by Sultan Bin Sooud Al-Qassemi with to create a space for Arab artwork to be displayed in an interactive and communal setting. The top floor of Maraya Art Centre is a Contemporary Art Gallery featuring dramatic and avant-garde pieces selected from some of the most promising names in the world of modern art with a global reach.

Organized by XVA Gallery, BAF 2010 showcases the best of emerging Middle Eastern contemporary art from galleries such as Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah, Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde in Dubai, Running Horse Gallery in Beirut, and The House of Art based in Doha.  A number of prominent figures from the European art community are also hosting seminars during this year's BAF, including individuals like Dr. Venetia Porter, Curator at the British Museum, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Director of the Serpentine Gallery in London.