UK
First UK Muslim Arts Awards Celebrate Talent and Creativity. On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Manchester Hall buzzed with excitement as the inaugural Muslim Arts Awards Gala Dinner took center stage. Organized by the award-winning MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), the event brought together artists, partners, sponsors, judges, and dignitaries to honor the incredible talent and creativity of Muslim artists.
Founded by Qaisra Shahraz MBE, Executive Director of MACFEST, the Muslim Arts Awards aim to provide a vibrant platform to empower and celebrate the artistic contributions of the Muslim community. Shahraz expressed her pride in the evening’s success, saying, “It was thrilling to see the idea come to life. Congratulations to the amazing winners! Hosting over 18 Muslim community representatives under one roof at the stunning Manchester Hall made it a truly inspirational night. A huge thank you to our sponsors and the fantastic MACFEST team.”
Celebrating the Winners
The event recognized five winners across various categories:
- Drawing: Mohamad Aaqib Anvarmia for Pinnacle of the Qur’an
- Calligraphy: Mahvish Javed for Ma sha Allah
- Photography: Shireen Malik for Stillness within the Miners
- Painting (Joint Winners): Atefeh Seifi for A Copy of Hafiz and Carol Souza for Melika
Kate Squire, Head of BBC North West, praised the celebration, saying, “This joyful event showcases the best of North West cultural diversity and art. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it and look forward to many more.”
Art Exhibition Showcases Diversity
Ahead of the gala, MACFEST partnered with the University of Salford, School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology to host an exhibition featuring the works of 23 shortlisted artists. Held on November 14, the exhibition highlighted the rich diversity of Islamic art while raising the visibility of Muslim artists.
Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean at the University of Salford, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to support the first Muslim Arts Awards. Celebrating the achievements of all shortlisted artists was a privilege. We look forward to expanding the awards across the UK and eventually internationally.”
A Night of Culture and Entertainment
Actor and comedian Abdullah Afzal hosted the gala dinner, which included vibrant performances by the North West Turkish Folk Dance Group, singers Sajal Chaudhury and Fadi Edel, and a showcase of cultural heritage hubs featuring mint tea, black coffee, and art displays.
Looking Ahead
Next year’s Muslim Arts Awards will open submissions to Muslim artists across the UK starting April 30, 2025. For details, visit www.macfest.org.uk.
Meanwhile, MACFEST’s 2025 multi-artform program kicks off in February, featuring over 85 live and digital events running through July. This six-month celebration promises a rich feast of cultural experiences, continuing to spotlight the artistic contributions of the Muslim community.
