ICCROM-Sharjah Forum and Awards

The ICCROM-Sharjah Award is a prestigious biennial prize that recognizes outstanding projects in the conservation and management of cultural heritage within the Arab region. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the award is managed by the ICCROM-Sharjah Regional Conservation Centre.

Unlike traditional architectural prizes, this award focuses on the intersection of technical excellence, community impact, and the sustainable preservation of regional identity.

Celebrating Excellence Across Two Categories

The award is structured to honor a wide range of preservation efforts through two distinct tracks:

1. Cultural Heritage Sites and Buildings: This category recognizes physical interventions that demonstrate exceptional skill in restoration, rehabilitation, and the sustainable management of historic environments. It prioritizes projects that protect the authenticity of a site while making it functional for modern use.
2. Collections in Museums and Cultural Institutions: This category focuses on the protection of "movable" heritage. It honors excellence in the conservation of museum collections, archives, and manuscripts, highlighting innovative methods for storage, display, and long-term preventive care.

Core Criteria: More Than Just Restoration

The ICCROM-Sharjah Award evaluates projects based on a rigorous set of standards that reflect the complexities of modern heritage work:

• Scientific and Technical Quality: The use of appropriate materials and methodologies that respect the original fabric of the object or site.
• Community Engagement: How the project involves local residents and stakeholders, ensuring that the heritage remains a living part of the community’s social fabric.
• Sustainability: The long-term plan for maintaining the site or collection and its impact on local economic and social development.
• Innovation: The application of creative solutions to overcome conservation challenges, particularly in regions facing environmental or social pressures.

Why the Award is Vital for the Arab Region

Cultural heritage in the Arab world faces unique challenges, from rapid urbanization to climate change and regional instability. The ICCROM-Sharjah Award serves as a powerful platform to:

• Highlight Local Expertise: It showcases the world-class skills of Arab professionals and organizations working in the field.
• Foster Knowledge Exchange: By documenting and promoting "Good Practices," the award creates a shared library of successful case studies that other practitioners can learn from.
• Promote Identity: By celebrating the diverse heritage of the region—from ancient archaeological sites to historic urban centers—it strengthens the collective cultural memory.

A Benchmark for Professional Standards

For organizations and individual consultants, the ICCROM-Sharjah Award represents a hallmark of professional distinction. It signifies that a project has not only succeeded in physical preservation but has also contributed to the broader goal of making heritage a catalyst for peace, pride, and sustainable development.