Xposure Academic Creative Programme empowers student talent

February 03, 2026 / 9:59 PM

Sharjah24: Sheikha Noor Yousef Al Mualla, Executive in the Training Department at the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) , highlighted the impact of the Academic Creative Programme launched as part of the 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, describing it as a forward-looking educational initiative that gives students immersive, hands-on experience across the festival’s creative and professional environments.

In an interview to Sharjha24 on the sidelines of Xposure, Sheikha Noor explained that the programme was designed to move student learning beyond classrooms into real field practice, enabling participants to engage directly in practical and creative tasks within festival venues.

She noted that students work under dual supervision — academic guidance from their universities and professional mentoring from the Xposure team — ensuring a structured, high-quality training experience that connects theory with application.

According to her, the programme brings together 14 partner universities, which contribute not only through student participation but also by delivering specialised educational workshops in photography and related disciplines.

She added that student contributions span a wide creative spectrum, including short films, research projects, graduation projects, AI-generated film production, media coverage, and integrated media campaigns.

Importantly, participation is not restricted to media students alone. The programme also welcomes students from scientific, social, and other academic fields, encouraging interdisciplinary creativity and broader knowledge exchange.

Sheikha Noor revealed that partner universities were provided with a dedicated submission link to upload student projects, all of which will be evaluated after the festival concludes.

She stressed that the initiative reflects a long-term vision centered on youth empowerment and creative sustainability.

“At Xposure, we believe that investing in students is an investment in the future,” she said. “Through this programme, we aim to build an inspiring and sustainable educational experience that enables students to actively contribute to the future of creativity.”