#Saudi Arabia #Jeddah #Islamic Arts #Biennale

The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025: A Celebration of Culture

The much-anticipated second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled "And All That Is In Between," opened its doors to the public on January 27, 2025. Held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this unique event represents a significant milestone in celebrating the rich history of Islamic civilization through its artistic expressions.

Inaugurated in the presence of His Excellency Rakan Bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, the Deputy Minister of Culture for Saudi Arabia, the Biennale invites visitors to delve into a fascinating dialogue between historical artifacts and contemporary artworks. This event is unlike any other, as it is dedicated solely to the arts that emerged from Islamic culture, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity within this realm.

One of the standout features of the 2025 Biennale is the collaborative effort involving over 30 prestigious institutions from around the globe. Highlights include loans from the Vatican Apostolic Library, the Louvre in Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as specialized collections from the Ahmed Baba Institute in Timbuktu, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, and the Manuscript Institution in Istanbul. This broad representation emphasizes the global significance of Islamic art and culture.

Visitors can look forward to seeing an extensive range of over 500 objects arranged across five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, spanning approximately 100,000 square meters. Notably, the exhibition will also feature the entire Kiswa—the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba—displayed outside of Mecca for the very first time. This rare opportunity highlights the sacredness and historical importance of this textile.

The Biennale's artistic direction is led by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, with contemporary works curated by Saudi artist Muhannad Shono. Their vision aims to demonstrate how various cultures interact and continue to resonate with one another, bridging the past and present. By juxtaposing historical items from Islamic civilizations with modern artistic interpretations, the Biennale serves as a platform for exploring how faith and creativity have coexisted over centuries.

Jeddah, a cosmopolitan city known for its rich cultural heritage as well as being a critical entry point for Muslim pilgrims, offers a fitting backdrop for this event. The city has been a melting pot for cultures throughout history, and the Biennale aims to celebrate this aspect by engaging local and global audiences alike.

Running until May 25, 2025, the Islamic Arts Biennale promises to be an enriching experience for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Islamic arts. The exhibition not only highlights the significance of history and tradition but also encourages conversations around contemporary practices, making it a vital event in the global art calendar. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply curious about the diverse world of Islamic creativity, this Biennale is not to be missed.