UK
Celebration of the Second UK Muslim Arts Awards Highlights Creativity and Cultural Unity: The second UK Muslim Arts Awards Gala Dinner took place on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the iconic Manchester Hall. Hosted by MACFEST, the award-winning Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, the evening brought together artists, partners, community organisations, sponsors, judges, and distinguished guests. Together, they celebrated the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of the UK Muslim creative diaspora.
From the outset, the event reinforced a powerful message. Art unites communities, transcends differences, and preserves shared heritage. Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized how creativity continues to act as a bridge in an increasingly multicultural society.
Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Chair of The Lowry, and former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, captured this spirit perfectly. He stated, “These awards are recognising what we have in common. We have a real desire to ensure that culture keeps us together. We may be multicultural, but at the end of the day we share something here. We share a love of art and a love of creativity that goes back centuries.”
A Platform Dedicated to Empowering Muslim Artists
The Muslim Arts Awards programme was founded by Qaisra Shahraz MBE, Executive Director of MACFEST, with a clear and focused vision. The initiative aims to celebrate, empower, and elevate Muslim artists by offering them a credible national platform.
Explaining the mission, Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA said, “Our mission for the Arts Awards is to celebrate and provide a unique platform for Muslim artists to showcase their creativity and talent through an art exhibition in partnership with the University of Salford, alongside the opportunity to win awards in four categories: Painting, Calligraphy, Drawing, and Photography.”
She further added that while the inaugural awards celebrated Muslim artists from the North West, this year’s programme expanded nationally. Participants came from several cities across the UK, reflecting the growing reach and impact of the initiative. Importantly, the University of Salford continued as a key partner, supporting contemporary Islamic art and creativity.
The Power of Images and Creative Expression
Among the prominent speakers was Lucy Meacock, Chancellor of the University of Salford and former ITV News presenter. While presenting one of the four awards, she highlighted the unique influence of visual storytelling.
“We see many creative students coming to us, and it is essential to nurture that talent,” she said. “The arts help us communicate with each other and break down barriers. Art speaks to us in a way that nothing else can—sometimes even more powerfully than our world leaders or politicians.”
Exhibition Showcasing Contemporary Islamic Art
Working in partnership with the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, MACFEST hosted its first official exhibition on November 20. The exhibition featured 33 shortlisted artworks and celebrated the diversity and richness of Islamic art while raising the visibility of Muslim artists.
The exhibition, held at the Adelphi Campus, remains open to the public until the first week of December. It showcases works across four categories: painting, calligraphy, photography, and drawing.
Esteemed Judges and Award Winners
An accomplished judging panel selected the finalists from over 100 submissions. The panel included Sam Ingleson (Chair), artists Paul Vivian and Brendan Fletcher SFHEA from the University of Salford, award-winning calligraphers and artists Lord Richard-Fou’ad MacLeod, Samir Malik, Siddiqa Juma, acclaimed photographer Fuad Alakbarov, and Qaisra Shahraz MBE.
During the gala ceremony, the four category winners were announced and awarded trophies. The winners were:
- Drawing: Asma Jadakara Desai for Khalil Jhayat Mosque (Kurdistan)
- Painting: Mahmud Manning for Fitting the Phenomena: Jeddah Gateway
- Photography: Iqra Saied for UnFamiliar
- Calligraphy: Mohammad Popal for Divine Wind
Reflecting on the collaboration, Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean for Enterprise and Engagement at the University of Salford, said, “It’s a pleasure to work with MACFEST. We received well over 100 entries, and around 30 artworks were displayed at New Adelphi. The response has been incredibly positive, and as a university, we are proud to host this exhibition and look forward to future collaborations.”
A Night of Culture, Performance, and Heritage
The gala dinner was hosted by Asma Younus, BBC radio presenter and co-founder of Islamic Art Prints. In addition to the awards, the evening featured captivating performances by sand artist Bilal Kose, singer and musician Dr. Hakan Sakar, and Sufi dancer and choreographer Filiz Ozum. Guests also explored cultural heritage hubs showcasing Eritrean black coffee, live art demonstrations, and curated exhibitions.
Looking Ahead to MACFEST 2026
Submissions for next year’s Muslim Arts Awards are now open to Muslim artists across the UK. More details are available at macfest.org.uk.
Looking forward, MACFEST 2026 will deliver an ambitious multi-art programme featuring over 85 live and digital events. The festival will run for six months, from February to July, offering a vibrant celebration of Muslim arts and culture.
