How The Islamic Arts Society is Fostering Mutual Understanding and Building Bridges Through Art
The Houston-based non-profit’s, co-founder, Dr. Azimuddin, tells AMT about this weekend’s annual gathering, which celebrates the diverse talents of Muslim artists from all across the U.S.
Art is, without doubt, a universal language and by sharing Islamic arts we are supporting mutual understanding, and enhancing cultural and religious harmony. It is also a uniquely powerful way to bring the broader American community together.
Through our various programs, the Islamic Arts Society has been successful in creating understanding, tolerance and coexistence using the medium of art. As a nonprofit, our mission is to share the rich heritage of arts in Islam and showcase Islamic Art to both Muslims and non-Muslims across America.
Islamic Art dates back to the 7th century. It consists of arts produced in lands inhabited by Muslims, covering numerous places and people over the course of some 1,400 years. So many wrongly assume Islamic Art is limited to religious art, but it is not.
In fact, it can be seen in day-to-day utilitarian objects as well as in architecture. It encompasses the rich and diverse cultures of Islamic societies. Even with this diversity, certain underlying themes and similarities unify and link the art across the Islamic world.
This includes architecture, calligraphy and manuscript illumination, and the arts of objects such as ceramics, glass, textiles and metalwork. Each of these has been decorated with calligraphy, geometric patterns, arabesque, scrolling patterns, and floral or plant designs.
Since its founding in 2014, the Islamic Arts Society has gained recognition as the authentic source of all information pertaining to Islamic Arts in America. Over the years, we have collaborated with the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Houston Grand Opera, The Mayor’s Cultural Office, the Asia Society, and many other civic and non-profit organizations for curating art programs.
The flagship event of the Society being held this weekend is the annual Islamic Arts Festival, this is the largest and oldest festival of Islamic Arts in the country. The first festival was held in Houston in November 2014.
We are proud that many groups throughout North America have followed the Society’s lead and organized Islamic Art events in mosques and community centers in their localities. Our own Islamic Arts Festival last year showcased the art of 50 artists in a 10,000 sq. ft. area and drew over 6,000 visitors.
The words of one visitor who said, "I feel that outreach events like this help people understand the Muslim culture and way of life," really encompass what we hope to achieve.
Through our library, school, and college outreach programs, we reach thousands more in the Greater Houston area. Our signature “Building Bridges Through Islamic Arts” program, employs an art exhibition, reception, and a hands-on interactive series of art workshops where participants learn about Islamic heritage and culture.
They also produce their own bodies of work using Islamic arts techniques. The Society has conducted numerous such programs in schools, colleges, and universities in the greater Houston area as well as out of state.
"We would like to thank Islamic Arts Society for this wonderful experience for our community and library," said Janna Hoglund, library manager.
This year the festival will be better than ever and we urge anyone who can to come and visit this uniquely uplifting event. For non-Muslims who attend we also offer an opportunity to take a tour of the mosque that is adjacent to the festival. Some of the art is also displayed inside the prayer area.
This is just another way that our organization breaks down barriers and how over the years, the Islamic Arts Festival has become an annual ritual and is one of the biggest interfaith events in Houston.
The event, which is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston and the Boniuk Institute of Religious Tolerance at Rice University, is also supporting the mentoring and education of a large number of youth volunteers as each year almost 200 Muslim high school students prepare to receive a large number of visitors.
The visitors attend a brief course on Islamic Art and are often surprised to learn about the connection between their religion and Islam. It’s especially gratifying that these young students are learning to take pride in discovering and presenting the beauty of Islamic arts in a festive and joyous environment.
The Islamic Arts Festival will be held December 10 and 11 at the Houston Masjid Al-Salam. The event is free and there will also be an online session held for non-local attendees to buy art.
