Islamic Arts Festival 2024 to be held at the University of Houston

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The Islamic Arts Festival, North America’s largest showcase of Islamic art, is getting back for its 11th year. Set to take place on November 9 and 10 at the University of Houston, Texas, USA, it is a much-anticipated event, whose vibrancy is always a feast for faith and senses, inviting everyone to explore the richness of Islamic culture and art. Organised by the Islamic Arts Society, Houston, since its inception in 2014 as a modest gathering, the festival has blossomed into the largest and longest-running Islamic arts festival in the United States. Initially attracting only a local crowd, it now draws visitors and artists from all over the country, creating a grand platform for cultural exchange, among other things.

This year, more than 5,000 pieces of art from over 50 talented artists will be on display, showcasing both established figures and emerging voices in the field of Islamic art. The 2024 iteration of the festival’s programming has expanded to include a film festival, a comedy show featuring Preacher Moss, and Sufi music performances. The additions mark a milestone as the festival moves from its suburban roots in its initial stages, to a lively urban setting, making it more accessible and exciting for a broader audience. One of the highlights of the festival is the chance for attendees to engage directly with the artists.

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“As you meander through the exhibition hall, you will not only have the opportunity to admire incredible artwork, but also get the opportunity to chat with the creators about their varied inspirations and techniques,” say the organisers. Live demonstrations of traditional art forms, including Ebru (water marbling), calligraphy and henna, are set to provide a captivating, interactive experience. “Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get a beautiful henna tattoo or see your name transformed into Arabic calligraphy right before your eyes,” the organisers add. Plus, there are workshops for all ages, allowing everyone to try their hand at creating their own piece of art.

Food lovers will rejoice at the variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines available from local vendors. After exploring the art exhibits, guests can relax on the lawns, savouring delicious dishes while enjoying the lively atmosphere. The festival also features vendor stalls offering arts and crafts, along with booths from local nonprofit organisations, all contributing to a sense of community and collaboration. The pandemic certainly posed challenges; but the festival has adapted remarkably well. In 2020, an online version of the event attracted an impressive 22,000 visitors from around the globe; it proved that the desire for connection and cultural appreciation remains strong.

  Participants dressed in native costumes.

Last year it cautiously reopened — and over 6,000 people celebrated together in person, highlighting shared commitment to community and the arts. This year’s festival aims to be more than just an art show; its purpose is to be a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. A place where established artists can network and emerging talents can shine, the event also includes a seminar organised in collaboration with the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of The Arts. The goal is to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and artistic expression.

The festival also features a performance by the Al-Firdaus Ensemble from Spain, adding an international flair to the lineup. All in all, attendees can look forward to a weekend filled with inspiration, learning, and fun. Each year, the Islamic Arts Society also invites a few acclaimed visual artists to the festival. This year too, artists who have devoted their lives to the creation and promotion of Islamic art are being invited. They include Jason Seife from Miami, Aadil Abedi from Los Angeles, and Meryem Osmanlioglu from Philadelphia.

“Bringing the biggest names in Islamic art together under one roof will allow the artists to network, collaborate, share ideas, and inspire one another,” says the Society. Famous artists who have attended festival programmes in the past include Haji Noor Deen, Behnaz Karjoo, Paul Barchilon, Jennifer Usman, Moina Sajjad, Elinor Holland, Josh Berer, Nihad Dukhan and Muhammad Zaman. In 2014, four Houstonians met at a small exhibition on Islamic arts curated by a local museum in Spring, Texas. In a fortunate turn of serendipity, they bonded by their common interest and came together to put up a small art show in their local mosque.

They gathered other artists who shared their interest in Islamic arts — and thus was born the first-ever Islamic Arts Festival in Houston. The hosts came from varied backgrounds; they included an architect, a physician, an engineer, a housewife, a store owner, and a student. But they were linked by their passion to create Islamic art, whether on canvas, paper, wood, glass, or ceramic tiles. Thus was laid the foundations of the Islamic Arts Society. It has now grown over the years to become an umbrella organisation of artists creating Islamic art in the USA.

The Islamic Arts Society organises events to celebrate Islamic culture and promote the positive image of the Muslim community, among Muslims and non-Muslims. “Art is a common language and binds diverse communities,” it says. “By promoting Islamic arts, we hope to promote mutual understanding and to bring the broader American community together. As we gear up for this year’s Islamic Arts Festival, we invite everyone — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — to come and experience this unique celebration of art and culture,” it concludes.