‘Focal Point’ returns with 8th edition celebrating art and print

December 10, 2025 / 1:41 PM

Sharjah24: Sharjah Art Foundation will host the eighth edition of its annual art book fair, ‘Focal Point’, from 12 to 14 December 2025 at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, bringing together a diverse range of artists, publishers, independent presses, and cultural practitioners developing new approaches to contemporary print and publishing.

This year’s fair showcases publications from diverse cultural backgrounds, along with dedicated sections for UAE-based artists and a curated selection of recommended titles chosen by the Foundation.

Workshops and activities that immerse visitors in creative practice

The fair offers a diverse programme of workshops and interactive activities, including the ‘Reading Room’ in collaboration with Bootleg Griot, where visitors can explore art books by artists from Africa, Asia, and the diaspora. A self-guided postcard-making station allows visitors to create handmade cards inspired by the architecture of ‘Bait Obaid Al Shamsi’.
Additional workshops will focus on risograph printing, colour separation, multi-layer stencil techniques, and smart magazine production, led by visiting artists and designers.

New releases and discussions highlighting human stories

This edition will feature the launch of the seventh volume of ‘Corniche’, the annual comic anthology showcasing artists from the UAE and abroad, with opportunities for visitors to meet contributors and collect signed copies.
A special talk will present Balestia Al Akkad’s book ‘Eyes of Gaza: Diaries of Resilience’, with researcher Fares Shomaly. The publication highlights powerful human testimonies from Gaza, providing a deeper narrative beyond news coverage.

Music releases and experimental sound works

On the musical front, the Foundation, in collaboration with Ramble Records, will release ‘Energia’, a vinyl album by renowned Japanese experimental musician Kawol Samarqandi. The album concentrates on minimalism and silence as key elements of composition and features works recorded during the artist’s residency at the Foundation in April 2024.

Extensive international participation

The fair features an impressive lineup of publishers, print studios, and artists from across the region and around the world, strengthening Sharjah’s role as a hub for cultural exchange and artistic experimentation. Through ‘Focal Point’, Sharjah Art Foundation continues to support contemporary visual culture, innovative print practices, and cross-cultural dialogue.