Ahlan Report
- Aseel Tayah
- Mohammed Yassin
- Rand Zaza
- 9/12/22
Introduction
Art in all its forms is an international language of connection that overcomes various barriers. It is within the human essence to express, create, and manifest images and reflections of one’s own experience, journey, and culture. Art is meant to be rich, abundant, inclusive and welcoming to all, but it’s somewhat hard to affirm such a notion of art in Australia.
On one hand, there is a limited representation of artists from migrant and culturally diverse backgrounds, especially from Arab and Muslim communities, and it is worth knowing the reason behind this. The participation and engagement of the Muslim community in art performances, galleries, and events is still not clearly visible.
Arabic now is the second most commonly spoken language other than English in Australia. These figures provide strong evidence for Arabic language and culture making a considerable contribution to the Australian multicultural canvas.Â
Islam is a big part of Arabic culture as Arabic language is central to Muslims; the holy Qura’n is in Arabic, and the daily prayers are performed in Arabic. However, Islam is not encased in a specific culture from a certain region, but rather encapsulates a beautiful diversity of cultures and traditions in all aspects of life including art.
 Nonetheless, all Muslims from different backgrounds share celebrations and occasions central to Islam like Ramadan and Al Eid where all these cultures are celebrated in a united sense. With Islam being the fastest growing religion in Australia as shown by the ABS census 2021, it is disappointing that not more art productions are targeted to the Muslim audience in Australia, or Muslim artists featured in Australian arts spaces.
Bukjeh was born from the yearning and hard work of one Arab Muslim migrant who came to Australia to start a new life, but never stopped thinking about home and stories of home, an essential part of her core and key to forming her new identity. Bukjeh is now a big beautiful diverse family of artists and individuals who are very keen on creating spaces of art and culture for the Arab and Muslim communities in Australia to nourish and strengthen their ties to home and sense of belonging to Australia.
Australians having very positive personal attitudes
somewhat/ very negative personal attitudes
Bukjeh is striving for a better understanding of the current situation in art spaces in Australia; what are the challenges and obstacles to representation for our communities? And how can these challenges and obstacles be addressed? It is important to address gaps in representation, contribute to a more informed perception of our communities, and to inspire a stronger sense of belonging of our communities to Australia.Â
As a starting social enterprise, Bukjeh has found it challenging to reach out and connect with audiences, despite developing well prepared and supported shows. In an effort to understand and address the causes, Bukjeh initiated this research. We spoke to people and listened to their concerns, understandings of the current situation, challenges, and what they would like to see improving, and here we display the results of our study.Â
Tell us about your idea for a project or activity (2,500 characters) :
Australia is home to citizens, asylum seekers, and refugees from all around the world, and that includes those coming from more than 50 Muslim countries, and close to 400k people in Australia speaking Arabic coming from 25 countries.
Our goal is to highlight the need of those who recently arrived from war zones and been through hard traumatic experiences, who need art the most to heal from such difficult experiences and gather as communities to celebrate their identity. In reality, these cultural events are mostly called community gatherings/art and held in libraries or small rooms instead of being respected and given the right funding in space and talent.
We have spoken wiith Muslim and Arab artists, community members, and art sector decision-makers around the lack of engagement and proper communication with Muslim and Arab communities in Melbourne.
Aseel Tayah and Mohammed Yassin have lead research with surveys, interviews, and focus groups online and offline to learn more about the difficulties of the Muslim audiences of families, mothers, and young people to be welcomed in art shows and artworks around VIC.
We believe this wiill help Muslim communities get access to artworks that are appropriate to their belief and moreover, support programmers to create work that is welcoming to the local communities.
Tell us about the impact your project or activity will have to the future of the cultural and creative industries in the short and long term. (2,500 characters) :
In the short term, our research will highlight the challenges and difficulties artists from Arab and Muslim backgrounds face in creating and exhibiting art projects. These challenges are usually of internal origin (family and community) or external origins (the art sector, the funding bodies, the government departments).
This will allow us and the relevant partners to start creating solutions and initiatives that can minimize some of these challenges and yield better engagement and participation of Arab and Muslim artists in the art sector.
Through our engagement with communities, families &peak religious/cultural organizations, we will explore the cultural, social & economic barriers that stop full and real participation within the Arab and Muslim communities in the art sector. We hope that this research will uncover ways to make the cultural art industry more culturally appropriate and welcoming, allowing more diverse artists to join and thrive, and encouraging the Arab/Mulsim communities to engage and support the sector.
In the long term, findings from our research and the implementation of its recommendations can help more artists from Arab and Muslim backgrounds to enter the art space by participating in various art projects or creating projects of their own.
We also anticipate that such change will allow the art industry and its workforce to be more diverse in its makeup, and more culturally appropriate in its settings and delivery. This will lift the quality of the art delivered and bring many new ideas and methodologies to the sector, increasing its reach and strengthening its position as an important part of our social and cultural map.
The creation of a more diverse and welcoming art sector in turn will mean more of the Muslim and Arab communities are now engaged in the consumption of art projects but most importantly, in the production and creation of local art initiatives. We believe such changes will mean that these communities can express more of their identities in the form of art and share their strengths, history and aspiration with the wider Australian population. As a result, we hope this can reduce the prevalence of racism and Islamophobia they are subjected to, and create a more harmonious society.
Internationally, we anticipate that these changes can help the Australian cultural art industry to establish connections and links to many new markets and talent pools, as well as competing in major international cultural awards and competitions.
Methodology
The first recorded arrival of Arabic people in Australia was in the late 1800s. They were mainly traders, merchants and ship captains who came from the Middle East, North Africa and India. The majority of these early arrivals were either Muslim or Christian, and some of these early settlers established businesses and communities in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
Today, the majority of Arabic people in Australia are from Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt, with smaller numbers from Syria, Jordan, Palestine and other countries in the region. The majority of Arabic people in Australia are Christian, however there is also a significant Muslim population.
Arabic and Muslim communities access to Art
Art spaces not accessible or appropriateÂ
It is clear that Muslim communities in Australia often find gallery spaces and other art spaces unwelcoming and difficult to access. Such experiences are usually linked to the lack of understanding of the various cultural needs of Muslim communities, including religious requirements for modesty and appropriate gender roles, as well as the all-too-frequent instances of racism, discrimination and bigotry that many Muslims experience in the public sphere. The result is an increased sense of ‘otherness’ that can prevent these communities from feeling included and part of the broader society. Art spaces can provide access to creativity and cultural production, and it is important that they be adapted to be truly inclusive of Muslim communities.
In order for art galleries and other art spaces to foster meaningful cross-cultural inclusion, it is integral that they are aware of and sensitive to the needs of the Muslim community. Ultimately, this dialogue is essential to make these spaces a culturally appropriate and welcoming environment.
A lot of our community businesses, our communities walk around this area, but we actually never know that this building even exists or that it is an arts building.
We’ve never had access, We’ve never been told that these are art spaces are for us to actually use.
Communication and marketing
Many organisations use mainstream media channels, such as television and radio, to reach Muslim communities in Australia. While these channels have the potential to reach a wide audience, they do not always do a good job of connecting with Muslim communities in an appropriate and meaningful way. Additionally, these mainstream channels often fail to deliver messages in an academic or culturally sensitive tone.
Organisations looking to connect with Muslim communities in an academic tone should consider using alternative channels. These can include engaging with Muslim-focused media and publications, attending relevant community events, and leveraging online platforms such as social media channels to share meaningful content and open dialogue. Doing so can help create an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding between the organisation and those in the Muslim community who might not be traditionally engaged with the organisations offerings.
Additionally, as part of their commitment to diversifying their reach, art organisations should invest in translation services to better engage the diverse communities in Australia. This should go beyond just English to top spoken languages such as Arabic translations and encompass other languages as well.
Finally, any communication with the diverse communities, whether it is in English or translated, needs to go beyond printed and written material, and expand into audio, video and visual formats.
Word of mouth is what brings people to the theater, not social media promotions
Art is not relevant
It is important to recognize that art shows in Australia are not necessarily reflective of the experiences of Muslim communities in Australia. Muslims in Australia make up a diverse and diversely-experienced community, and their contributions to the larger art scene in Australia should be viewed and celebrated in their own right. Yet, when it comes to the Arts, these stories are often omitted or ignored. This lack of representation means that the stories and perspectives of the Muslim community in Australia remain largely untold, resulting in minimal engagements by these communities.
Many of these communities don’t feel that their cultural and religious events or celebrations are being represented in the same way as other cultures which makes them feel excluded from the art scene.
Many Muslim community members reported that many art shows and performances present topics that can be culturally inappropriate or incompatible with their belief systems. Additionally, even when the art form is culturally acceptable, many art openings and events are held in a culturally inappropriate manner such as the serving of alcohol.
This is a real shame, as the Arts can play a vital role in engaging people from different backgrounds and providing a space for their stories to be heard. Art shows that focus on the experiences of Muslims in Australia should be actively promoted and engaged with, so that the unique perspectives of Muslims in Australia can be showcased and valued. This could be done by creating more workshops, events, and exhibitions that are specifically tailored for the Muslim community. Additionally, more attention needs to be given to the local Muslim artists who are already an established part of the artistic community. Finally, it is important to utilise the existing community infrastructure such as community centres or places of worship to introduce art to the community in familiar settings.
I actually believe the best art is made with the community and by communities
Wide range of communities with different needs and aspirations
The Muslim and Arab communities in Australia comprise a broad range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As such, there is an urgent need for art that reflects the diversity and complexity of these communities. This art must be sensitive to the diversity and nuance of culture and values of the different sub-communities, while engaging with the issues they face.
Supporting women
In Australia, Muslim women have faced certain restrictions in accessing art due to cultural and religious barriers. While there have been some efforts to increase engagement of Muslim women in the art world in Australia, such as the establishment of art galleries and projects dedicated to the inclusion of Muslim women, there is still a marked lack of access to art for Muslim women. This is due to a combination of factors, such as limited resources being available to Muslim women, cultural and religious barriers to accessing art, and a lack of representation of Muslim women in the art world, the lack of accessible and affordable child care, and the lack of women-only art spaces and experiences .
I have a 7 and 5 year old and I could hardly find any activities in Arabic for them I have tried contacting local council and libraries theatres but there is nothing around
Young children in schools
Muslim children in Australia are often not engaged with art in an academic setting due to a variety of reasons. Many Muslim families have limited access to art education or resources within their communities and may not be able to afford or access art classes. Additionally, many Muslim families may place a greater emphasis on other academic subjects such as science and math and may not prioritize art education. Furthermore, cultural and religious values may lead some Muslim families to discourage their children from engaging in art as some forms of art may be seen as inappropriate or disrespectful. Finally, Muslim children may not be encouraged to pursue art in an academic setting due to a lack of representation of Muslim artists in the curriculum, or the lack of role models who inspire them to pursue a career in arts.
It is important to point out the role art plays in building children’s identity and their sense of self. This is especially relevant for second or third generation Australians who are in the process of navigating and defining their cultural identities, and who need every available tool to help them explore and express their mixed identities.
The attitude is already there from early on, and the child won’t have the confidence to say to their parents: I want to be an artist. This is the reality, unfortunately.
The digital divide
The digital divide is an issue that affects many Muslim communities, limiting their access to art. In some cases, the lack of access to technology and the internet can be a major barrier for members of these communities, who may be unable to engage with the art world in meaningful ways. This can lead to a further disconnect from the cultural and artistic offerings of the wider world, which can perpetuate isolation and exclusion. To ensure that all members of society can access art, it is important to bridge the digital divide by providing access to the necessary technology and providing educational opportunities that equip individuals with the skills to take advantage of it.
Art not affordable
Many Muslim communities lack access to art due to its lack of affordability. The higher cost of art can prohibit many from access to this form of creative expression, depriving them of the opportunity to explore and engage with the visual arts. This is because most of the Arab/Muslim communities in Australia are still part of the new and emerging communities, with limited financial capabilities and social infrastructures.
This has led to a decrease in cultural representation and a lack of visibility for certain communities, thus furthering marginalization. It is essential that measures be taken to make art more accessible and affordable for all, in order to ensure equitable representation and inclusivity.
Arabic and Muslim Artists access to opportunities
Community challenges
Muslim artists often face challenges within their communities when it comes to views about art, culture, and religion. These challenges involve reconciling traditional and modern interpretations of Islamic beliefs and practices with artistic expression as well as the value their communities place on artistic expressions and art as a career.
One way Muslim artists have addressed these issues is by using prominent cultural or religious leaders to explain the purpose of their art and its relationship to Islamic beliefs. For example, some Muslim artists have used scholarly research to explain how their work is rooted in Islamic tradition while still being contemporary and relevant to modern times. By engaging in intellectual conversations with those in their community, Muslim artists are trying to help to bridge the cultural and religious divide. Additionally, they aim to use their art to promote greater understanding of Islamic values, as well as to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes.
‘You should definitely mention that one of the factors is some strict opinions around music and singing from inadequately qualified personnel that generalise the haram and forbid based on verses from Qur’an which are taken out of their context, and do not really know the details of the show you put on or its message. So it is misconceptions, misunderstanding, and ignorance. People are afraid of the word ‘haram’ and hence, there should be a detailed explanation’.
Career and personal challenges
- Accessing networks and resources – With the proliferation of digital technology, many Muslim artists struggle to access the necessary networks and resources to further their professional development.
- Finding suitable mentors and teachers – Finding experienced and knowledgeable mentors and teachers who understand and can guide the particular needs of Muslim artists can be difficult in Australia, especially mentors with similar lived experience and cultural backgrounds.
- The lack of support and resourcing of art activities and art education during childhood.
- Lack of cultural appreciation – Many Muslim artists struggle to find appreciation of their culture and faith in the Australian arts and entertainment industry.
- Overcoming stereotypes – Muslim artists often battle prejudices and negative stereotypes when attempting to break into the industry.
- Limited funding and support – There is limited funding and support available for Muslim artists in Australia, making it difficult for them to establish and sustain their careers.
- Limited employment opportunities – Due to a cultural bias, employment opportunities for Muslim artists are often limited, making it difficult for them to make a successful career.
- Being taken seriously – Muslim artists often face the challenge of being taken seriously, as their work is not seen as valuable or legitimate.
- Discrimination – Muslim artists can face discrimination from employers, venues and audiences, which can affect their ability to maintain a successful career.
- Balancing faith and art – As a minority in the industry, Muslim artists must often navigate the difficult balance between their faith and their art.
- Representation – Muslim artists are often underrepresented in the Australian entertainment industry, making it difficult for them to gain recognition and success.
- Language barriers: Many Muslim artists are from a non-English speaking background, which can impede their ability to communicate their work effectively.
- Lack of role models: Australian Muslim artists often struggle to find mentors and role models who are from a similar cultural background.
- Limited access to capital: Many Muslim artists may lack access to capital, which can be critical to success in the art world.
- Unfamiliarity with the art industry: Many Muslim artists have limited knowledge of the art industry and how it works, which can make it difficult to find their way and make a successful career in it, or end up being exploited financially or emotionally.
- Isolation and loneliness: Many Muslim artists feel isolated and alone when trying to build a career in Australia, due to the lack of a supportive community. Because of their art, most artists live in fear of alienation; either by their own communities or by the mainstream society.
- Cultural expectations and self-censorship: Muslim artists can feel pressure to conform to cultural expectations, which may also limit their creative freedom.
There are not many recognizable Muslim artists in the industry
There is a perception: for you as a Muslim/ migrant it is going to be very hard for you to be successful and probably it is not worth it, so you should pursue something else where it is going to be easier to succeed. It is not the right attitude, but unfortunately, it is still the attitude
‘When I think about university spaces, they’re not actually putting the effort to advocate for doing art, I wouldn’t actually have thought about it, if it wasn’t for my art teacher that recommended that I do art at Melbourne university. I did an interview at Melbourne university, from the moment I walked in to the interview I realised that this space is not necessarily going to be welcoming for me; when I looked at the people who are studying or applying to study, I was the only Muslim, I was the only ethnic person, everybody else were obviously from privileged backgrounds, and I think that by itself is very telling’.
‘Art is currently highly influential for culture, and protecting Muslim culture, and that the lack of Art with a Muslim twist is big threat to how young people, sort of perceive reality. Because the Art these days isn’t much about reflecting reality, but goes as far as manufacturing reality’.
‘I grew up going to the movies, to cinemas. That was it in terms of my exposure to the Art until more recently. And I think that’s the common experience for migrants. We don’t hear or we don’t even know about the opera or whatever. So, if you want people to care, the people in these Ivory towers need to stop putting money where their mouth is and going into the community and maybe giving out free tickets, you know give 20 free tickets to activate youth to get young people from the western suburbs to attend the premier of the best show that exists for that year. Then, maybe a few of these kids will say: Aah maybe I’ll go into this area of the Arts, maybe I want to perform, or see more of this stuff. But, in the absence of that, yeah I think that’s the difference between sports and Arts’.
‘There is a perception: for you as a Muslim/ migrant it is going to be very hard for you to be successful and probably it is not worth it, so you should pursue something else where it is going to be easier to succeed. It is not the right attitude, but unfortunately, it is still the attitude’.
Systemic challenges
The art industry
Muslim artists in Australia face systemic challenges in their pursuit of creative expression due to the entrenched structural inequalities that exist in the Australian society. These inequalities are evident in the lack of representation of Muslim artists in the mainstream media and in the broader cultural sector, as well as in the diminished access to resources, including physical and financial support. For example, Muslim artists often feel underrepresented in the Australian art sector, leading to the lack of access to both established and emerging markets. Additionally, the limited presence of Muslim artists in the cultural sector has led to a lack of opportunities for meaningful engagement with the wider Australian public, thus limiting their potential to showcase their work and gain recognition.
Moreover, the marginalisation of Muslim artists is also evident in the limited access to funding that is available for their creative pursuits. For example, in 2016, the Australia Council for the Arts reported that only four percent of its grants were awarded to Muslim artists. This has resulted in a lack of resources for Muslim artists to create new work, or to develop their existing projects. Additionally, Muslim artists often experience a hostile environment in the art industry, which can discourage them from pursuing their creative ambitions.
The lack of access to resources and networks is a major challenge for Muslim artists. Many Muslim communities are geographically isolated from major art centers, depriving them of access to galleries, museums, and art fairs. Additionally, many lack the financial resources to travel to and participate in these events. Moreover, the art world is largely dominated by insiders, with established networks and few opportunities for newcomers. This can create a barrier for Muslim artists who lack the contacts necessary to gain access to the art world.
Muslim artists often face misrepresentation of their works and identities. This can include a lack of consideration for the cultural and social context of their work, as well as a lack of understanding of the artist’s personal experience. This misrepresentation can lead to a limited understanding of Muslim art and the artists themselves, which can lead to further exclusion and marginalisation.
The systemic challenges faced by Muslim artists in Australia are further compounded by the rising levels of Islamophobia in the country, which has led to an increase in hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims. This has resulted in further marginalisation of Muslim artists, as they often feel vulnerable in their artistic pursuits due to fear of potential backlash. This further amplifies the lack of understanding of the value of Muslim culture and art in society which can lead to a lack of appreciation or acknowledgement of their contributions to the field.
The appropriation of Muslim art and culture by non-Muslim artists, particularly in the Western context, has often been seen as an act of cultural imperialism. This, in turn, can lead to the erasure of Muslim artists’ contributions to the arts, and to the further marginalisation of their cultural identities and practices.
Muslim artists in Australia are faced with systemic challenges that hinder their ability to pursue their creative expression. These challenges range from a lack of representation in the mainstream media and the cultural sector, to limited access to resources and hostile environments. In order to address these issues, there needs to be greater attention paid to the systemic barriers that Muslim artists face, as well as more investment in the creative industries that celebrate and support their work.
I’m interested in, to stop this belief that somehow we need to be translated. We need to be spoken for, we need to be managed, but rather how do we manage ourselves and how do we show leadership amongst one another?
‘I think the doors are not open for us, we kind of have to open the doors ourselves. I have noticed that with Muslim artists, they have to rely only on themselves in order to show their art and what they have’.
‘I think the sector as a whole should look at itself in a way, because unless you’re in the community arts team or, unless like you’re a diversity officer, are you going to get the same opportunities when you are a person of colour in other roles? Like do you have to work harder? Prove yourself more? You know like it’s such a harder road, because you have to prove yourself and only then do you get like some kind of senior management/ management job at Arts Centre, or City of Melbourne, or The Australian Ballet, you know there are so many glass ceilings and at so many levels, you know it’s in terms of representation, it’s in terms of programming; what gets programmed, it’s in terms of marketing and budget spend’.
Challenges with Local Councils
The challenges faced by Muslim artists in accessing art opportunities from Local Councils in Australia can be varied and complex.
There can be a lack of understanding of the cultural nuances of Muslim art, which can lead to an exclusion of Muslim artists from mainstream art opportunities. This can be due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the cultural nuances of Muslim art or a belief that Muslim art is not as ‘worthy’ as other forms of art.
Many Local Councils in Australia may not have adequate resources to support the needs of Muslim communities and artists. This can include a lack of knowledge about the art forms and techniques used by Muslim artists, or a lack of funds available to support their activities, the lack of resourcing for proper community engagement, and the lack of translation budgets. The effect is further amplified by the fact that many Council departments operate in silos, with limited collaborations and communication channels that enable community engagement.
The lack of diversity within Council staff and amongst Councilors, in terms of ethnicity, religion and culture.
There may be a lack of awareness among Local Councils of the value and importance of Muslim art and its potential to contribute to the local community. This can lead to a lack of recognition and support for Muslim artists, which can be further compounded by a lack of cultural understanding or appreciation of the value of their work. Additionally, the lack of representation of Muslim artists within the Australian art scene can lead to an exclusion from the mainstream art scene. This can be due to a lack of visibility and access to traditional art institutions or due to a lack of representation within the art market.
Overall, these challenges can be difficult to overcome and require a concerted effort from Local Councils and art institutions to ensure that Muslim artists are included and supported in the Australian art scene.
The panel ended up being me doing a presentation around cultural diversity and inclusion. And I’ll be honest, I was scared because I basically stood up in front of all my peers and the main thing I said was, representation is important in a room of white people and one other person of color, and that’s really hard to do.
Then you end up being this face of this narrative, you know, and this problem in a way.
Challenges with funding bodies
- Language barriers: Language barriers can prevent Muslim artists from accessing available funding opportunities, as many forms and material are written in English only.
- Limited access to art education: Many Muslim communities lack access to art education, which can make it difficult for Muslim artists to develop their skills and gain recognition.
- Limited access to professional networks: Professional networks are essential for success in the art world, yet many Muslim artists may not have access to such networks.
- Cultural misunderstandings: Muslim artists may face cultural misunderstandings from potential funders, who may not understand their art.
- Stereotypes: Muslim artists may face stereotypes about their art, which can limit the opportunities and recognition they receive.
- Socioeconomic barriers: Many Muslim artists may face socioeconomic barriers, such as poverty, which can make it difficult to access art opportunities, especially considering the time and efforts required to put together a successful funding application. .
- Lack of awareness of available funding: Many Muslim artists may not be aware of the various funding opportunities available to them.
- Lack of access to technology: Limited access to technology can make it difficult for Muslim artists to apply for funding, as many applications are done online.
- Cultural differences: Cultural differences between Muslim artists and potential funders can be a barrier to accessing opportunities.
- Prevalence of Islamophobic sentiment: Islamophobic sentiment can create a hostile environment for Muslim artists, which can limit their opportunities.
- complex funding processes and unfamiliarity with specific funding requirements: Muslim artists may be unfamiliar with the specific requirements for funding, which can make it difficult for them to apply.
- Lack of access to cultural spaces: Muslim artists may lack access to cultural spaces, such as galleries, which can make it difficult for them to showcase their work, and secure further funding.
- Lack of awareness of local funding bodies: Many Muslim artists may not be aware of local funding bodies, which can provide valuable resources and opportunities.
Bureaucracy of the funding bodies is holding me back cause I’ve asked for a grant to help me do both, right? I don’t care about money, although it is necessary to get things going. My purpose is to help people, right? And I’ll continue to help my own production company put in my own money so that to work and beyond for two hours a week and help these boys eat, gain personal confidence, right?
Challenges with theaters and art spaces
- Language barriers: Communication challenges due to language barriers can create a challenge in connecting with Muslim communities in Australia
- Lack of awareness: A lack of awareness of Muslim culture and traditions in Australia can be a challenge in connecting with Muslim communities
- Lack of diversity in staffing or management
- Box-ticking approach to creating cultural engagement: some of the shows are created without proper consultations with communities, many of the initiatives are ad-hoc and short-term.
‘I had trouble with Art, running Art events, because it was a challenge to find appropriate venues (Painting Art), It’s very hard for young artists and organisations to find free spaces, although I believe they do exist in the among councils, or people in the Art space that know about these spaces, but we don’t have access to those circles. That’s one of the hardest things about running an Art event, because you can’t run it in a room usually’.
Community art organisations
- Finding long-term and sustainable sources of funding to help support artistic endeavors in the communities.
- Dealing with the pressure of representing the Muslim community in a positive light.
- Addressing the cultural diversity within the Muslim community, and ensuring a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented.
- Ensuring that all artistic projects are sensitive to the beliefs of the culture and faith.
- Addressing the ever-changing social, political, and economic landscape of the Muslim community.
- Creating art that is both meaningful and appealing to the Muslim community as well as the wider society.
- Finding ways to make art accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, background, or financial status.
- Establishing links with other cultural organizations and initiatives to foster intercultural dialogue.
- Overcoming language barriers in order to reach a wider audience.
- Developing venues for exhibiting art that are both welcoming and respectful of cultural values.
- Creating events and activities that attract a broad range of people from different backgrounds.
- Establishing meaningful partnerships with community organisations to ensure the success of artistic projects.
- Overcoming the challenges of censorship that may occur in relation to art produced by the diverse community.
- Addressing the lack of representation of women and other minorities in the Muslim art space.
- Ensuring that the artistic projects do not reinforce negative stereotypes of the Muslim community.
- Dealing with the challenges of limited resources and a lack of access to technology.
- Addressing the issue of plagiarism and copyright infringement when creating art.
- Establishing culturally safe and secure environments for creating and displaying art.
- Finding ways to make art relevant to today's society and resonating with current issues.
- Navigate the complex employment laws and regulations
it’s hard to go through. and create programs and events when you know that there’s a higher structure that you cannot just deal with within a matter of weeks or months, cuz it feels like we’re dismantling decades worth of really rigid structural system.
‘I think the reason that the Muslim community has had to create its own mediums, is largely because there’s a lot of gatekeeping in the Arts community. The Arts is dominated by leftist progressive narrative which makes it very difficult for conservative Muslims or any conservative religious people to tell their stories through the Arts. Christians have their churches, they’ve got their choirs, so they have done the same thing, and they have their own community Arts, they don’t go and challenge the dominant Arts spaces’
‘In terms of numbers, it looks like all the artists in the Muslim community largely operate in solos. They sort of do their own thing, which makes it hard to reach out to them as aggregates or as a group. So, whatever is harder basically doesn’t get done, that’s how it works in community work, you get what’s easy’.