The 2019 UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture has been awarded to Palestinian artist Suleiman Mansour in recognition of his commitment to the dissemination of Arab culture worldwide, according to a UNESCO press release.
The laureate was named by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on the recommendation of an international jury.
Suleiman Mansour is among the most influential artists working in Palestine today. Over 50 years, his paintings’ expression of Palestinian identity has won him international recognition. He has contributed extensively to the development of infrastructure for the fine arts locally and is a founding member of the League of Palestinian Artists.
In 1994, Mansour co-founded the Al-Wasiti Art Center in East Jerusalem and served as its director from 1996 until 2003. One of the founding directors on the Board of the International Academy of Art in Palestine, he has also taught at numerous cultural institutions and universities and participated in several local and international exhibitions, and received several awards.
The international jury recommended Suleiman Mansour not only in recognition of his prolific career but also for his commitment to art and art education and for the creation of platforms for younger generations of artists.
Established in 1998, the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture rewards, each year, two laureates – individuals, groups or institutions – who, through their work and outstanding achievements, endeavor to disseminate greater knowledge of Arab art and culture.
Mansour shared the award with Silvia Alice Antibas, an historian and curator from Brazil.
