11th Islamic Arts Festival

The largest festival of Islamic Arts in America will attract visitors and artists from across the USA.

The Islamic Arts Society announced that the annual Islamic Arts Festival will be held on November 9th and 10th, 2024, at the University of Houston (Student Center South). The festival will feature artists from across the USA and is the largest and oldest festival of Islamic arts in the USA.

“This year, the 11th anniversary of the Islamic Arts Festival is set to be a unique celebration with the introduction of a film festival, comedy show, and a Sufi music entertainment program,” announced Shaheen Rahman, President of the Islamic Arts Society. “This is a significant milestone for our society as we transition from our suburban location to the heart of the city at the University of Houston, a move that will amplify our reach and enable us to introduce Islamic art to a wider American audience.” Over the years, the festival has drawn visitors and artists from all corners of the United States, fostering connections and collaborations and sparking creativity. It’s a platform for established artists to network, collaborate, and inspire, while also providing a space for emerging and student artists to showcase their talent.

Islamic Arts Society aims to share the rich heritage of Islamic Arts. The society organizes art events, lectures, and workshops to celebrate Islamic culture and promote the positive image of the Muslim community. Art is a common language and binds diverse communities. By promoting Islamic arts, we hope to promote mutual understanding and bring the broader American community together. Our main event is the Islamic Arts Festival which has been held annually since 2014 and even during COVID-19 when we took the festival online. The festival brings people of all ages, ethnicities, and faiths for two days of fun, festivity, and learning.

The 2024 festival will feature a captivating live performance by the Al-Firdaus Ensemble from Spain, and Preacher Moss will bring laughter with his stand-up comedy show. The event will also host a film festival, a spoken art program, and an academic seminar organized in collaboration with the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of The Arts. With over 5,000 pieces of art by more than 50 artists on display, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate, and purchase art. They can also engage in interactive art sessions, learn about Islamic art and culture, attend workshops, and savor ethnic food. Live demonstrations on calligraphy, henna tattoos, ebru, painting, and a variety of children’s art activities will further enrich the festival experience.

For more info visit www.islamicartssociety.org