A full program of free initiatives and workshops themed around the prestigious Jameel Prize 3 Exhibition has attracted hundreds of visitors from all sections of the community to the Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah.

The international prize for art inspired by Islamic heritage is awarded by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in partnership with Art Jameel, one of the Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI).

Hosting a range of seminars aimed at all ages, from school children, to university students and the general public, the activities will continue until June 6, when the exhibition closes.

Last week, on April 15, 16 and 17, Pascal Zoghbi — one of the 10 Jameel Prize 3 finalists — conducted a series of Academic Workshop programs for students from the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

A well-regarded figure in the world of design and famed for his one-of-a-kind Arabic typography, Pascal flew to the UAE especially for the three-days of workshops and passed on his knowledge to the next generation of aspiring designers and artists.

“Throughout the academic workshops, I taught the students the history of Arabic fonts and their development through time. I showed them what inspires me and the different ideas and techniques I usually use when it comes to the creation of new shapes and types of Arabic fonts,” explained Zoghbi.

“The key sessions at the workshop discussed the seven different types of the Kufi font, and how it developed from the traditional bold look without dots in the first era of Islam to the beautiful geometric shape that relies on the dots and circles system in the Abbasid era, culminating in five new types in later eras. I also asked each student to choose a traditional word, write it in one of the Kufi scripts, and then to design a traditional word in a contemporary style, which I call abstract. I was surprised with their amazing artwork and they exceeded my expectations.”

Commenting on being shortlisted for the prestigious Jameel Prize 3, Zoghbi added: “What distinguished the third edition of the Jameel Prize in comparison to previous years, was the introduction of new art categories, including fashion design, jewelry design, and the creation of more modern collages based on traditional Arabic calligraphy. I was nominated for the award not only for one specific artwork, but also for my important contribution in the creation of new Arabic fonts, which has enriched Arabic and Islamic Culture, which I am proud to be part of and honored to represent. I am extremely proud to have been shortlisted as one of the 10 finalists for Jameel Prize 3.”