Have You Checked Fikra Campus Yet?

Sharjah - Sheikh Salem Al-Qassimi talks to City Times about Fikra Campus, his unique design-led multi-purpose space in Sharjah

We here at City Times have been watching the progress of the growing art scene in the UAE with excitement. Not only have we hosted some amazing art, design fairs and exhibitions that have welcomed internationally renowned artists, curators and designers but they have also acted as a platform to showcase some of the amazing talent we have in the UAE and across the region.
The cultivation of local designers, the development of the local art scene is imperative in any city. The only way we can develop from a cultural point of view is if the designers and artists can observe ideas and happenings and have the space to create work that reflects their concerns and interests. But how do we ensure that there is a whole new generation of designers and artists that aren't only exposed to great art but are also developing their own craft and art related businesses?
For some time, Sharjah has really been at the forefront of the art world in the UAE. From the Sharjah Art Museum to the many cultural activities that have helped promote local artists and designers, a new and exciting design-led creative space in the city, Fikra Campus, is making its mark.
Sheikh Salem Al-Qassimi is behind the unique concept which offers members and the general public the opportunity to work, hang out, and meet like-minded professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs - which could lead to unique creative collaborations and business activities which is all incredibly important to grow a real and sustainable art culture across the UAE.
City Times spoke to Sheikh Salem Al-Qassimi about what Fikra Campus is all about, why it's unique and the benefits it will give to the art scene in the UAE.
What exactly is Fikra Campus?
Fikra Campus is a unique design-led multi-purpose space and platform. It comprises an award-winning graphic design studio, a design library, a co-working space, a café, and an experimental gallery space. The idea of the space was built on the notion of serendipity that facilitates interactions and allows different people, experiences, disciplines and expertise to cross paths. It helps entrepreneurs with their creative businesses by offering them a space, facilitating the process of starting up their businesses and registering them, and most importantly allowing them to be part of Fikra's year-long educational program that includes workshops, talks, exhibitions, a residency programme, film screenings and more.
Why is an idea like Fikra Campus important?
In a time where the world is in flux - continuously evolving and impacting the way we live, communicate, and interact - we hold a responsibility as designers and citizens to address changes from a perspective that is relevant to us - our needs, religion, and culture. The creation of a design-led space that fosters community engagement, cross-disciplinary exchange, and cultural production was remarkably compelling and an obvious step to take.
The idea of creative spaces have been rather popular of late - what makes Fikra Campus different?
Fikra Campus is more than just a creative space. It's conceived to become a catalyst for design thinking and cultural production in the region. It's a physical and intellectual space that investigates culture and identity and speculates about technology and the future. It's a shared platform with cultural programs and creative collaborations that are contextually oriented yet globally relevant. Fikra Campus is also unique in that it's a design-led platform - from the design of the space to its structure and programs. It's a space that encourages creative entrepreneurship while providing an extensive educational and cultural program that develops skills, and most importantly supporting thinking and seeing the world from a unique and different perspective.
There is a library included in the campus. Why was this important to include? Many libraries around the world have been closing down as people seem to be more dependent on receiving news and reading online and not visiting libraries. Do you think libraries are still important?
Libraries are still vital components of our society today. The physicality of the book and the experience of holding one and reading it is crucial, especially in today's day and age with social media's content pollution and continuous distractions. Another important point to add, is that especially in design, for students starting in their design career, they might not know how to differentiate between good and bad design on the Internet. However, with a well-curated collection of design books, students look and learn from examples that are worthy of study. To make printed matter, requires a meticulous amount of work, and credibility - this is absent from online content, which makes the physicality of a book necessary. In addition, there are also plenty of printed journals, books, and printed matter on art, design, and culture that do not have an online presence, or at least a different one. Finally, having a library in Fikra Campus is aimed at promoting the progress of knowledge. It contains a specific and private collection of carefully selected books on design, arts, architecture and culture.
Do you have a personal interest in the Arts?
Of course. Also, graphic design in itself is considered a discipline within the arts which also has a commercial and professional side. I really appreciate the arts in general and draw inspiration from it all. I do, however, have a soft spot for architecture, and the built environment, and photography since I also produce photographic art works.
What are your future hopes for Fikra Campus?
To continue to pioneer and develop innovative, culturally relevant, and experimental projects that are led by design, and through that to continue to develop content that renders a portrait of who we are as a nation and people. To grow the discourse in design and culture and to encourage a creative entrepreneurship.

• UAE