Toronto, Canada, 18 June 2025 - The Aga Khan Museum was honoured to welcome distinguished guests this week to celebrate the opening of As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award, a landmark exhibition illuminating two decades of contemporary Islamic art.

Co-curated by Dr Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum, and Al Burda Fellows Fatma Mahmoud, Sara bin Safwan and Shaikha Al Zaabi, the exhibition bridges historic and modern artistic expressions, exploring themes of light, spirituality and creativity through calligraphy, ornamentation, poetry, contemporary paintings and more.

“The collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture and its three exceptional Al Burda Fellows has been an honour and a joy. Working on such a prestigious project together, across and beyond cultural differences, has been a truly enriching and inspiring experience for the Museum,” said Dr Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum.

“Together, we have opened a new world of intercultural artistic appreciation, dialogue and understanding. To that end, our storytelling approach is not only factual but also allows for empathetic, inclusive engagement. Striving for the art to be presented in a way that transcends cultural differences, the exhibition invites aesthetic appreciation, engenders conversation, and serves as a creative resource for intercultural learning.”

The occasion was attended by Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, representing His Highness the Aga Khan; His Excellency Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture of the United Arab Emirates; members of the diplomatic community and officials from all levels of government. It marked the first exhibition presented under the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the Aga Khan Museum and the UAE Ministry of Culture. This collaboration represents a significant step in advancing a shared commitment to intercultural dialogue through the arts.

“Our collaboration with the Aga Khan Museum, highlighted through the As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award exhibition, exemplifies the powerful impact of cross-cultural partnerships in fostering artistic innovation and dialogue. This exhibition marks a significant milestone for Al Burda’s rich history and the young Emirati curators who have shaped it during their residency in Toronto,” said H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture.

“Their creative vision and dedication, nurtured by this unique partnership, underscore our shared commitment to supporting emerging voices and advancing cultural diplomacy. By bridging the artistic heritage of the UAE and Canada, we are laying the foundation for a more connected and inclusive global artistic landscape.”

As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award will be on view to visitors until 15 February 2026.

Learn more.

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About the Al Burda Award

Launched in 2004 by the UAE Ministry of Culture, Al Burda is an international platform dedicated to fostering creativity and raising global awareness of Islamic art and culture. At the core of its initiatives is the Al Burda Award, which recognises excellence in ornamentation, poetry and calligraphy. Over the past two decades, more than 355 poets, calligraphers and artists have been honoured for their contributions to Islamic art. In 2024, Al Burda expanded its scope with the launch of the Al Burda Grant programme. This initiative provides financial and institutional support to artists, researchers and cultural practitioners, encouraging new approaches to traditional Islamic art forms. The grant programme reflects Al Burda’s ongoing commitment to artistic innovation and its role in elevating Islamic culture to the global stage.

About the UAE Ministry of Culture

The Ministry of Culture works to enrich the cultural ecosystem of the UAE by supporting the country’s cultural, art and heritage institutions. It provides a platform for artists and innovators, promotes cross-cultural dialogue, and delivers dynamic productions and experiences that represent the UAE’s rich and eclectic culture on a national as well as international level.

About the Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada is part of the Aga Khan Development Network. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational activities and performing arts, the Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures through the arts.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Frances
Director, Marketing and Communications
Aga Khan Museum
press@agakhanmuseum.org
416.858.8735