Check Out the First Ever Islamic Arts Week
The first ever Islamic Arts Week, organised by Mission of Hope’s Justice and Arts Network (JAAN) will be opening this weekend on 11 August, signalling a “revival of arts for Australia’s young Muslims.”
“We are doing something never been done before in our community – a whole week of showcasing incredible art, fostering talent and encouraging young people to build networks with international and local artists of extremely high calibre,” said Asma Yusra, JAAN co-director.
Mission of Hope (MoH) is a not-for-profit, community organisation that aims to create services that cater to the unique culturally-sensitive needs of the Australian Muslim population. The Justice and Arts Network is Mission of Hope’s youth branch that uniquely addresses both social justice issues and creative arts.
The Islamic Arts Week will be presenting a special guest, UK calligraphist Al Kaatib, on his first official Australian tour. He will be in Melbourne and Sydney doing workshops in schools and for the general public.
“I am absolutely thrilled to travel to the other side of the world to teach something I love. After the end of the course, I’m expecting Australia to be filled with Islamic Calligraphers,” says Al Kaatib of his trip.
The Gallery, held at Bankstown Arts Centre, will be open to the public between Wednesday 14th August and Saturday 17th August and is expected to draw large crowds. Though entry is free, items on display will be on auction and all funds raised will go towards future JAAN projects.
Islamic Arts Week Timetable:
- Sunday 11 August – Al Kaatib will be doing live work at the Islamic Museum of Australia’s Eid Benefit Dinner
- Monday 12 August – Screening of ISLAMIC ART: Mirror of the Invisible World at Hoyts Bankstown
- Tuesday 13 August – An entertaining opening night for the Islamic Calligraphy Gallery at Bankstown Arts Centre
- Wednesday 14 August – Al Kaatib will be doing live art at the Bankstown Poetry Slam
- Thursday 15 August – JAAN Q and A: “Revival of the Islamic Arts” – featuring internationally renowned filmmaker and photographer Mustafa Davis; Al Kaatib will be launching the first JAAN Art Wall at Flames Steakhouse
- Friday 16 August / Saturday 17 August – Calligraphy Workshop with Al Kaatib (sold out)
- Sunday 18 August – Al Kaatib’s final Sydney appearance at the Muslim Eid Festival doing personalised live artwork for purchase at the Mission of Hope stall.