By SHEYMA BUALI, LIFE.STYLE@ARABNEWS.COM

Celebrating works inspired by the Islamic world around the globe
The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London has been home to a vast collection of Islamic art for more than 150 years. Today, the Museum has taken a step beyond simply showcasing it, they have joined efforts with the Abdulatif Jameel Group’s Community Initiative to highlight and encourage work inspired by the faith. The Jameel Prize is a biennial award recognizing the use of Islamic design and art technique in contemporary work.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London has been home to a vast collection of Islamic art for more than 150 years. Today, the Museum has taken a step beyond simply showcasing it, they have joined efforts with the Abdulatif Jameel Group’s Community Initiative to highlight and encourage work inspired by the faith. The Jameel Prize is a biennial award recognizing the use of Islamic design and art technique in contemporary work.

Inaugurated in 2009, it is now in its second run. The criteria is broad, the panel is in search of contemporary artists and designers inspired by Islamic art, craft and design. The open aspect of the call for works, however, has been a great advantage. “Giving a criteria and letting the artists respond is why we have a completely different array of artists,” explains Salma Tuqan, Middle East curator of contemporary art at Victoria and Albert. “The works really speak for themselves. They show an understanding of Islamic techniques and traditions while responding to them in innovative ways that are relevant and new.”

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