Ishara Art Foundation has announced the appointment of Shaikha Maisa Al Qassimi, a distinguished arts and cultural expert, to its Advisory Board. With over two decades of experience shaping the UAE’s cultural landscape, her addition marks a significant step in the foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering contemporary artistic discourse in the region.
A key figure in the UAE’s art scene, Shaikha Al Qassimi has played a pivotal role in the development of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi for more than a decade. She has led the museum’s strategic planning, curatorial vision, acquisitions, and operational framework, contributing to its evolution as a major cultural institution. Her curatorial expertise is evident in landmark exhibitions, including Pascale Marthine Tayou: Lobi Lobi at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation, Paul Guiragossian: Testimonies of Existence at Barjeel Art Foundation, and Seeing Through Light: Selections from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Collection. She also curated The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence and Najat Makki: Luminescence, further cementing her reputation as a visionary curator.
Beyond the museum sphere, Shaikha Al Qassimi has been instrumental in shaping public art initiatives, advising on major commissions for institutions such as Abu Dhabi Airport and the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children project in London. Her influence extends to the global stage, having served as a member of the Executive Committee for the UAE’s inaugural pavilion at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009.
With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the cultural sector, Shaikha Al Qassimi’s appointment to Ishara Art Foundation’s Advisory Board signals an exciting new chapter for the institution. Her expertise is set to enhance the foundation’s mission of championing contemporary art from South Asia.
Founded in 2019, Ishara Art Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing contemporary South Asian art. Based in Dubai, the Foundation supports both emerging and established artists, fostering critical dialogue and exploring global connections.
