ART ACTIVITY CALL – application open to October 30, 2023. Honorarium will be provided. Apply here

PERFORMERS CALL – application open to October 30, 2023. Honorarium will be provided. Apply here

Introduction: 

A series of events focused on sharing the beauty of Islamic art from around the globe, an exciting, educational opportunity for people of all ages. In addition to the entertainment and educational value, these events encourage 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 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.

The Exhibition:

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 will tie in perfectly with the spirit of culture days.

WHAT: 2^nd Annual Exhibition of Islamic Art

WHEN: October 3: Art Wall booking begins – art installation can begin on or after this date

WHERE: Richmond Public Library Community Arts Wall spaces

 INCLUDES: a public opening and reception – TBD

ENDS: December 3: Art Wall booking ends – art must be removed by this date

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.

Annual Event:

WHAT: Islamic Art Experience 2023

WHEN: Sunday, November 26, 2023

WHERE: Cultural Center performance hall and Richmond Public library

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: – The event is FREE

• Enjoy a variety of cultural performances and hands-on-art activities;
• Experience Ebru art, henna design, geomatic art
• storytelling, lecture presentations,
• Drumming, traditional music and dances
• Arabic calligraphy Demo
• Create Islamic Art to take home
• Watch Islamic Art films and more

ARTISTS CALL – application open until September 30, 2023. Honorarium will be provided. Apply here

PERFORMERS CALL – application open to October 15, 2023. Honorarium will be provided. Apply here