Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi Inaugurates ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ Exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto
TORONTO, 27th June, 2025 – The city of Toronto has become the center of a vibrant cultural celebration as Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, the UAE Minister of Culture, officially opened the ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum. The event saw the presence of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the Foreign Minister’s Envoy to Canada and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the exhibition’s significance as it makes its Canadian debut.
Running through February 15, 2026, the exhibition is the product of a cultural alliance between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum. The occasion also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Al-Burda Award, a pivotal achievement in the evolution of Islamic arts. More than 60 contemporary artworks by previous Al-Burda Award winners are showcased, alongside two distinctive pieces from the Al-Badr Award collection. These works engage in a compelling visual dialogue with the historical and archaeological artifacts of the museum’s permanent collection, offering a multi-layered exploration of the rich evolution of Islamic arts, particularly Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and Arabic poetry.
Curated by graduates of the Al Burda Grant 2024—Fatma Al Mahmoud, Sara bin Safwan, and Shaikha Al Zaabi—the exhibition presents a contemporary artistic vision rooted in cultural empowerment and cross-border knowledge exchange. This approach encapsulates the award’s spirit and its aspirations for the future, making the exhibition not only a celebration of artistic achievement but also a platform for meaningful dialogue.
A robust cultural programme runs alongside the exhibition, offering workshops, lectures, and seminars focusing on Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and Islamic ornamentation. Interactive performances invite visitors to deeply engage with contemporary Islamic art and appreciate its adaptability in expressing both aesthetic values and cultural identity.
Coinciding with the opening, the commemorative book “Like the Sun Appearing to the Eyes from Afar” was unveiled. The publication provides a thorough documentation of the exhibition and investigates the artistic and intellectual impact of the Al-Burda Award in its 20th year. Featuring essays by experts in Islamic arts, intellectuals, and art collectors, the book offers insights and analysis on the award’s influence in empowering contemporary Islamic art and elevating its profile in the global cultural landscape. This work stands as an essential reference for those interested in the history of calligraphy, ornamentation, and literary arts, underscoring the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting Islamic art forms and nurturing international cultural dialogue.
During the inauguration, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi described the event as a major milestone in the evolution of the Al-Burda Award:
“This exhibition represents a strategic step towards expanding cultural cooperation between the UAE and Canada. It reflects our firm commitment to presenting Islamic arts within contemporary frameworks that express shared human values and promote intercultural dialogue. In its 20th year, the Al-Burda Award continues to serve as a global Emirati platform, reintroducing Islamic arts to the world in a language attuned to the spirit of our times.”
He also affirmed the strength of the collaboration:
“We are proud that this edition of the exhibition is the result of a pioneering partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, which underscores the depth of cultural openness and the role of art in building bridges of civilizational dialogue. We look forward to continuing our work with international partners to empower creatives and contribute to shaping a more diverse and influential global cultural scene.”
The Al-Burda Award, established in 2004, has recognized more than 390 talents worldwide, including poets, visual artists, and calligraphers specializing in Islamic arts. Over two decades, it has emerged as a global Emirati platform that celebrates and preserves the beauty of the Arabic language and artistic heritage of Islamic civilization, fostering creativity and showcasing exceptional contributions to audiences around the world.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
