This blog was written by Adil Mohammed Javed (Alchemy CEO & Artistic Director & Founder of The Muslim Artists Academy) after hosting Opening Events and Visual Arts and Film Workshops at The Whitworth. Adil reflects on his positive experience of his partnership with The Whitworth. 

Over the past six months, we have had the immense pleasure of bringing our incredible new project, “The Muslim Artists Academy,” to life, hand in hand with The Whitworth Art Gallery. This partnership stands as a testament to the beauty of community collaboration, and I am beyond thrilled to share this journey with you. 

Muslim Artists Academy (MAA) is a ground-breaking new initiative by Manchester-based Alchemy Arts that serves as a crucial stepping stone in placing Muslim experiences at the heart of the UK’s artistic scene and dismantling barriers within the cultural sector to effectively engage with Muslim communities. The programme encompasses five strands, delving into poetry, visual art, theatre, music, and film. 

Our vision for the Muslim Artists Academy was to offer Muslim artists an incubator space that breaks down barriers to engagement and creates more opportunities within the industry. I see the Academy as a platform that not only touches people’s hearts but also enriches the surrounding culture. “The Sunnah of the Prophet is not that his Sunnah becomes the content of our culture, the Sunnah of the Prophet is that we create a culture that is in harmony with his teachings.” 

Alchemy has always taken pride in employing innovation and creativity to foster social change. 

“I want the Academy to be a space where artists can chase their artistic dreams without compromising their faith and ethics. If we are genuinely committed to equal opportunities and authentic representation for artists, it’s time to level the playing field, and it’s time for us to reclaim our narratives.” – Adil Mohammed Javed 

Art is a language, and without an artistic space representative of the community we aim to engage, they simply won’t come. However, just like Ray Kinsella’s enigmatic whisper in Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come.” This is our very own artistic field of dreams, a haven where Muslim artists can rekindle their imagination, creativity, and dare to dream once more. 

In early 2023, we presented a captivating programme of learning and workshops led by accomplished artists and creatives, designed to nurture the next generation of artists and professionals whose faith remains uncompromised. 

I initially reached out to Ed Watts after discovering the #mybreakthrough campaign by Arts Emergency, which Whitworth was supporting. The themes resonated with Alchemy and a project we were developing, the “Muslim Artist Academy,” for an Arts Council application. I wanted to explore the possibility of Whitworth supporting us for the visual arts strand of the project. 

We sought a space for facilitated discussions, workshops, and exhibition space, but what we received far exceeded our expectations. The Whitworth became our primary partner, and in addition to providing a considerable amount of in-kind support, they also contributed match funding that truly enabled us to develop and deliver the project of our dreams. 

The unwavering support, warmth, and guidance from the entire Whitworth team, particularly Ed Watts, Fiona Carriss, and Gurusha Saini, played a crucial role in the success of the Muslim Artists Academy. Their dedication and commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive artistic community have left an indelible mark on our hearts. 

As we look back on the impact our partnership with The Whitworth Art Gallery has had on the Muslim Artists Academy, we are filled with gratitude and awe. Together, we have built a sanctuary where Muslim artists can thrive, create, and connect without compromising their values. 

We invite you to join us as we continue to celebrate diversity, champion inclusivity, and cultivate a space where art, culture, and faith intertwine harmoniously. Together, let’s write a new narrative for the Muslim artistic community and inspire future generations to embrace their creativity with open hearts and open minds.