Introduction: 

A celebration of the international day of Islamic Art, sharing the beauty of Muslim heritage, art, and culture from around the globe, an exciting, educational opportunity for people of all ages. In addition to the entertainment and educational value, the event encourages vibrant cross-cultural exchange among all faiths and cultures. We aim to bring new art, artists, and performers from the local Muslim community in BC and Canada.

October – Islamic Heritage Month in Canada

In 2007, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed October as Canadian Islamic History Month in recognition of the Muslim community’s significant contributions to Canadian society. As stated in the proclamation 2021, “To celebrate the Islamic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the generosity of Muslim communities, to learn about the fascinating history of Islam in Canada, to stand in solidarity against Islamophobia and all forms of hate, and to foster greater understanding, acceptance and social cohesion among people of diverse faiths in British Columbia.”

Visual Art Exhibit:

Art is a significant part of Islamic history. As a universal language, it connects generations and cultures through time and we propose a month long International Juried Islamic Art Exhibition.

Muslims in Canada come from various regions with enriching and diverse traditions, languages, dialects, and experiences. Everyone has their unique heritage, and it is hard to specify one concentrated market or place to experience Islamic Art, especially in Vancouver. Finding Islamic art largely depends on special events and exhibitions and independent or groups of Muslim artists, their practices, exposure, participation, and showcasing their art, online or in-store.

In September and October, Canada celebrates Culture Days across the country. A month-long art exhibition ties in perfectly with the spirit of culture days, however, this year the art display will go on from November 1, till December 31, 2022

• WHAT: Juried Art display of Islamic Art
• WHEN: November 1st – December 31st
• WHERE: Community wall space at Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch

UNESCO’s declaration of International Day of Islamic Art

An increased awareness and building bridges of cultural understanding through the arts is always needed. It was 40 sessions in Nov – The proclamation document states July 30th, 2019 – Decides to proclaim 18 November of each year International Day of Islamic Art; As UNESCO’s document presents, “The objective of this international day is to encourage the appreciation of artistic expressions of Islam – past and contemporary – and understand the role of Islamic art in inspiring other artistic movements.”

Art, in general, connects cultures and communities by removing boundaries and defining an uplifting spirit of how we learn from each other. It allows us to appreciate the diversity of our thoughts and ideas without words. Such proclamation for any heritage, let alone Islamic art provides the opportunity to acknowledge the beauty in the diversity that we all must admire and celebrate.

Islamic Art Experience – One day event – The event is free.

• WHAT: Islamic Art Experience – One day event
• WHEN: November 20^th, 2022
• WHERE: Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch

Enjoy a variety of cultural performances and activities; for example:

• Tapestry, have a henna design painted on your hand
• Experience music, storytelling, lecture presentations,
• fashion show, drumming and traditional dance
• Experience digital geomatic art
• Arabic calligraphy Demo
• Create Islamic Art to take home
• Watch Islamic Art films

Other Proposed Events throughout the year:  

Cross Cultural Community Arts – Global Art Reach – International artists collaborations

• Welcome Ramadan and Celebrate Eid
• Islamic Art Films
• Master Calligrapher classes
• Art of Islamic Pattern Workshops
• Public display of Islamic Art such as Mural wall with calligraphy that reflects our country-wide diversity and inclusion