Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, officially inaugurated the exhibition “As the Sun Appears from Beyond” at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada—marking the first time the show is being held at the prestigious institution.
The inauguration took place in the presence of H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the UAE Foreign Minister’s Envoy to Canada and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. The exhibition celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Al Burda Award and underscores the growing cultural partnership between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum.
Running until February 15, 2026, the exhibition features more than 60 contemporary artworks by Al Burda Award laureates, along with two special pieces from the Al Badr Award. These works are presented in visual dialogue with rare historical and archaeological artifacts from the Aga Khan Museum’s renowned collection—offering a layered narrative that explores the evolution of Islamic art from its classical origins to its modern-day expressions.
Showcasing Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and poetry, the exhibition highlights a dynamic artistic journey that bridges tradition with contemporary creativity.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Salem emphasised the exhibition’s significance as a milestone in the Al Burda Award’s two-decade journey. “This exhibition represents a strategic effort to expand cultural collaboration between the UAE and Canada,” he said. “It reflects our commitment to presenting Islamic arts through a contemporary lens—one that resonates with shared human values and fosters intercultural dialogue. Now in its 20th year, the Al Burda Award continues to serve as a global Emirati platform that redefines the narrative of Islamic art in a language attuned to the spirit of the times.”
He added: “We are proud that this edition of the exhibition is the fruit of a pioneering partnership with the Aga Khan Museum—one that underscores our belief in cultural openness and the transformative power of art in building bridges between civilisations. We look forward to continuing work with our international partners to empower creative voices and shape a more diverse and impactful global cultural landscape.”
The exhibition is curated by Fatima Al Mahmoud, Sarah bin Safwan, and Sheikha Al Zaabi—three emerging curators and alumni of the Al Burda Grant programme. Their curatorial vision reflects the award’s forward-looking ethos and its commitment to cultural empowerment and cross-border exchange.
Complementing the exhibition is an engaging cultural programme featuring a range of public events, including talks, lectures, workshops, and seminars focused on Arabic calligraphy, Islamic ornamentation, and poetry. Interactive performances offer visitors immersive opportunities to engage with Islamic art beyond the gallery walls—underscoring its continued relevance as a vehicle of aesthetic expression and cultural identity.
To mark the occasion, a commemorative book titled “As the Sun Appears from Beyond” was launched, serving as both an artistic and academic reference. The publication features critical essays by prominent experts in Islamic art, intellectuals, and collectors, offering rich insights into the evolving role of the Al Burda Award in supporting contemporary Islamic artistic practices and elevating their presence in the global cultural arena.
The book also documents the progression of Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and the art of the written word—reaffirming the UAE’s enduring commitment to preserving and promoting Islamic arts, fostering intercultural understanding, and celebrating the aesthetic values rooted in a rich and authentic tradition.
