About Shubbak: A Window on Contemporary Arab Culture

Shubbak (Arabic for 'window') offered a wide-ranging programme of visual arts, film, music, theatre, dance, literature, architecture, lectures and discussion. It showcased over seventy events in more than 30 venues throughout the city from 4 – 24 July 2011.

The festival featured work by contemporary Arab artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, choreographers and architects based in London and around the world including Algeria, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USA.

'London is a global city in which Arab culture has played a significant part over the centuries - the word 'Trafalgar' even originates from the Arabic language. This festival is a unique chance for Londoners to glimpse the breadth and excellence of contemporary Arab culture and its influence on London's cultural scene today. At a time of remarkable political and social change, Shubbak marks an exciting moment between artists in the capital and across the Arab world. I have no doubt that it will stimulate, delight and surprise audiences.'

Boris Johnson
Mayor of London

Shubbak was organised and presented by the Mayor of London and sponsored by HSBC.