On Sunday 24th November 2024 at the Manchester Hall, MACFEST, an award winning Muslim Arts and Culture festival hosted the inaugural Muslim Arts Awards Gala Dinner.
Artists, partners, community organisations, sponsors, judges, and dignitaries came together to celebrate Muslim artists, their artistic talent and creativity.
The new Arts Award programme, founded by Qaisra Shahraz MBE, Executive Director of MACFEST has a distinct aim; to provide an excellent platform to celebrate and empower Muslim artists.
There were five winners. Mohamad Aaqib Anvarmia for "Pinnacle of the Qur'an" for the Drawing category. Mahvish Javed for "Ma sha Allah" Calligraphy category. Shireen Malik for "Stillness within the Miners" for the photography category. For the Painting category there were two joint winners: Atefeh Seifi for "A copy of Hafiz" and Carol Souza for "Melika."
Working in partnership with the University of Salford, School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, on 14th November the first Art Exhibition of the 23 shortlisted Muslim artists were showcased, celebrating the rich diversity of Islamic art, and raising the visibility of the Muslim artists.
The Award Ceremony Gala Dinner was hosted by the actor and comedian Abdullah Afzal. The entertainment highlights included the North West Turkish Folk Dance Group, singer Sajal Chaudhury and Fadi Edel, Syrian singer, and also the rich Cultural Heritage Hubs with Mint Tea and Black Coffee and art exhibitions.
Next Year’s Muslim Arts Awards is open to Muslim Artists across the UK. Submissions open on 30th April. For more details see: https://macfest.org.uk/arts-awards
MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival) 2025 multi-art forms programme is now open, with over 85 live and digital events offering a rich feast of festivals lasting for six months from February to July.
Book on MACFEST Eventbrite page or on the website: www.macfest.org.uk