A feast of Arab culture awaits…

Munira Mirza, the Mayor’s Advisor for Arts and Culture, introduces Shubbak – the capital’s first ever festival of contemporary Arab culture.

We couldn’t have asked for a more positive response from the press this morning to the announcement of Shubbak. Over one hundred journalists from the UK and abroad gathered at Sketch restaurant (kindly offered by Algerian-born Mourad Mazouz) to hear about the first ever season of contemporary Arab culture in London.

Shubbak is about bringing the best, cutting-edge Arab art to London and showing it to new audiences. From the newest treasure-house of modern art in Doha to the music performed by folk bands playing amidst the uproarious crowds of Tahrir Square, Shubbak will feature over seventy events in venues across the city, giving Londoners a 'window' into Arab culture across the visual arts, film, music, design, architecture, dance, literature and drama. There will also be talks and discussions involving Arab artists.

In conceiving this festival over two years ago we had no idea how topical it would be. The news headlines over the last few months have shaken western preconceptions about Arab societies and revealed the hopes of a large and diverse population. In light of such staggering changes sweeping across the region, Shubbak has taken on a new perspective. Naturally, many of the artists featured have created work in response to the recent political and social changes.

This is a very exciting moment for London; itself home to thousands of Arab residents and visitors. We could not have reached this stage without the support of many organisations and individuals, all of whom are listed in the guide. For many (like the Serpentine Gallery, British Museum, Zenith Foundation and Mosaic Rooms), this festival highlights longstanding connections with Arab artists and organisations. For others, this is just the beginning of a new relationship. Like many others, I have been stimulated and excited by the art that I have seen from the Arab world and I hope this festival will increase the profile of Arab artists in London.