Press Releases

On 9th January 2012  The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) launched Artistic Jihad, the only art competition for Muslim students in the UK and Ireland. The competition is open till the 2nd March 2012, and hopes to find the next big Muslim talent to hit the art scene.

With many aspiring Muslim artists currently facing a jihad (struggle) to defend their faith, overcome community prejudices, and even get onto the career ladder, Artistic Jihad, now in its second year running has become a flame of hope and change. With notable judges and a promising public exhibition, the project hopes to empower promising artists to share their talents with society and increase community awareness and engagement in the arts.

Initiated by FOSIS in 2011, the project has already proven to be a great success, garnering over 200 submissions last year, exploring a variety of concepts across an array of art forms and mediums, from students of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. The launch exhibition was held at The University of Arts, attracting over 250 viewers from Muslim students and their families to art collectors and featured 20 winning works of art. It was then followed up with a roadshow, where exhibits were showcased at five major UK cities. Many finalists have since been met with increased success, some going on to feature in other exhibitions, and others having their own solo shows in collaboration with other highly acclaimed artists.

Salman Waqar, the Director of Artistic Jihad said, “The cry of the Muslim student artist’s jihad should not go unanswered. We aim to showcase and cultivate the artistic talent of Muslim students, inspire them to take leadership in the creative world - to define trends not just consume them, and encourage and support Muslim students in pursuit of creative careers. Through doing this, we hope to dispel misconceptions of art in the Muslim community and impart positive narratives about Muslims through art into the mainstream.”

[ENDS]

1. FOSIS (est. 1963) is the umbrella organisation of student groups in colleges and universities throughout the UK and Ireland, representing the interests of over 100,000 Muslim students.

2. For more information please contact Amandla Thomas-Johnson on 07984296626, email head.media@fosis.org.uk or alternatively visit our website www.fosis.org.uk

3. The competition runs from 9 January - 2 March 2012, for further information please visit the Artistic Jihad website at artisticjihad.wordpress.com 

4. The judges for this year's competition will be Ruh Al-Alam (visualdhikr.com), Peter Sanders (petersanders.com), Reedah El-Saie [TBC], Director of MICA Gallery (micagallery.com) and Abid Hussain, Arts Council England (artscouncil.org.uk)