Spreading its magic all over the city and promoting intercultural dialogue, the Sharjah Light Festival 2019 is captivating spectators at the University City Campus Avenue, Police Academy, University City Hall, Sharjah Book Authority, and the American University of Sharjah with light shows created by renowned international artists. The famed Festival this year is being held from February 6 – 16, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the theme ‘Culture and Family.’

The Sharjah University City Campus Avenue is hosting the show titled ‘Avenue of Lights’ by Nomada Design Team, which is a tribute to the spirit of the Festival symbolizing the bonds between Sharjah’s educational monuments.  The spectacle, which took 4 months to set up, features a 4.6 km-long glimmering channel of lights along the avenue where a number of Sharjah’s well-known educational institutions can be found.

The show titled “Connections” by Filip Roca and Dan Garotte at the Sharjah Police Academy is an interpretation of the strong bond between nature and humans. Connections between art and science, architecture and light, families and cultures are highlighted as well. By embodying connections between sound, visuals and space on the canvas of three beautiful facades, the show explores the theme on deeper levels.

Presenting spectators with wonderful displays of dreamlike epic tales from the Orient and the Occident, the show ‘One more night’ by Cindy Lo at the University City Hall is a creative fusion between drawings using various techniques and 2D animations on computer software. Paying tribute to these tales that help us grow and nurture our imagination, the subtle play on visual metamorphosis turns University City Hall’s façade into a magnificent show, reflecting our collective memory filled with princes and princesses, initiatory journeys, mythological animals, lost treasures and wise encounters.

The 12-minute long ‘Marching through Life’ by Julien Croyal at the American University of Sharjah symbolizes the very theme of educational institutions as centers of knowledge that pass on traditions and knowledge from one generation to another. A band of characters in animated hand drawings march and play all around the facade of the building, in a tribute to the talents of AUS’s creative students.

Furthermore, the light show at the Sharjah Book Authority titled ‘The Living Netting’ by Nooraiz Hasan depicts how outside cultures and influences also shape a family. Culture and family are both constantly evolving: a symbol for a solid base with constant renewal. The show draws inspiration from organic elements such as coral and displays a variety of unique graphical universes, each evolving in their own way and expanding to meet each other.

In addition to the series of stunning light shows all around the emirate of Sharjah, the “Food Truck Area” is a must-visit destination during the festival. Located opposite University City Hall, the food truck zone is even more expansive with a greater range of offerings and delectable tastes sure to please all palates. This hub of food truck activity will host more than 30 trucks and stalls in the converted car park with committed chefs preparing everything from burgers, pizza and pasta to sushi.  Visitors have the chance to wander from stall to stall, sampling a delicious range of international titbits.