SAFIR proudly announces the launch of its very first workshop TA’AROF starting March 9-13th 2017 as part of the Sharjah Art Biennial 2016/2017. TA’AROF will provide a select group of young artists from Syria with a unique opportunity to both develop their capacities and artistic networks by visiting the Sharjah Art Biennial 13 Tamawuj, and attending workshop sessions relating to key aspects of their development and outreach by key curators and artists from the MENA region.
After conducting a survey of artists over the past year, it became apparent that many young artists from the Middle East do not fully grasp the importance of biennials, art centers and artist residencies in the development of their practice, relying mainly instead on the more traditional model of artist to gallery relationship to support their growth.
As such SAFIR’s first workshop TA’AROF aims to provide an initial catalyst to expand the horizons of a selected group of young Syrian artists (aged under 35 ) to experience the full spectrum of the art world through the lectures, interactive tours and key SB13 events, to form a better understanding of the role of biennials.
The workshop lectures will focus on developing key skills, including creating value, refining technique, and communicating ideas. It will be facilitated by a number of prominent artists and art experts, including Hala Khayat, one of the founders of MASSYR and Director of Sales at Christie’s Dubai, Christine Tohme Curator of SAF 13 (TBC), renowned artists Safwan Dahoul and Thaier Helal, and curators Reem Fadda, Tarek Abou El Fetouh and Fawz Kabra.
The interactive tours will aim to introduce the participants to a prominent art event in the region, SB 13 Tamawuj, and will be an opportunity to apply the discussions from Day 1 and reflect on practical examples.
Objectives of the Event:
- Develop capacity and skills and see their application in practice.
- Introduce the artists to two prominent events.
- Sow the seeds of a network of artists and mentors.
Stay tuned for TA’AROF updates on our Facebook page and Instagram (safir.art) and get to know more about the participating artists and key speakers!