Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah has grown into one of the key players in UAE art scene

When Sharjah’s Maraya Art Gallery, which opened in 2006, was relaunched as the Maraya Art Centre in 2010, the artistic director Giuseppe Moscatello expanded the existing gallery space into a non-profit centre that would become a platform and hub for emerging artists.

Five years later, the centre, an initiative by Shurooq, Sharjah’s Investment and Development Authority, is one of the leading art institutions in the UAE.

“Back then, there was very little happening in that respect,” he says. “We wanted to nurture and encourage artists.”

Its 1,500-square-metre space is home to the Barjeel Art Foundation and also functions as a community centre, library, studio and gallery space in the heart of Al Qasba, Sharjah’s waterside pedestrian neighbourhood.

Despite overseeing an institution funded by the government, Moscatello made sure the platform of support was extended to all artists within the community – that meant no bias towards Emiratis.

“I believe it is important not just to support Emiratis but also all the other nationalities that live and work here,” he says. “The community network here is very important and all artists have something to contribute to the UAE art scene. We keep that at the forefront of our vision.”

Original article by Anna Seaman

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Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah has grown into one of the key players in UAE art scene