A special event marking the end of an Islamic art exhibition brought together musicians, artists, filmmakers and other talents from across Walthamstow and the wider community.
The event, which was part of the William Morris & Art from the Islamic world exhibition, captivated its visitors with musical performances and a film screening.
The William Morris Gallery’s public programme producer, Jo Bradford, was motivated to make the event engaging and relevant to people from all backgrounds.
She said: “This moment was really about marking the end of the exhibition but also turning the focus from Morris and turning it towards our community.
“The Muslim community in Walthamstow is really long established and has been so active in developing the exhibition with myself, the curators, and they are so supportive.”
Among the exhibits was the premiere of a short film trilogy, Three Colours Green, filmed by Shahed Saleem and James Wainman, which documents the Muslim community of Walthamstow.
Commissioned by the gallery, the film focuses on the lives of individuals and community spaces that captures the Muslim contribution to the area.
Saleem said: “It’s important for our Muslim community to gather in places that are not necessarily religious but are public spaces and to be able to hold their own events and have their own conversations and to represent yourself in the way you want to be represented.”
Young people also contributed significantly to the production of the event.
Bradford added that it was important to amplify the voices of young people in the Walthamstow community.
She explained that young people programmed the event, chose the music and facilitated the crafts.
Visitor Amal Kazmi said: “I’m really enjoying it, it’s nice to see the Islamic world represented.
“I feel seen through this exhibition.”
Tasmiya Tasmi, who ran a collage workshop at the event expressed her joy at being able to collaborate with the gallery again.
She said: “I also engaged with people from a variety of backgrounds, faiths and ages and it was wonderful to see them get creative and craft their own responses to the exhibition.”
The event was attended by people from all ages and backgrounds, who said they viewed it as an opportunity to come together and to enjoy themselves.
Bradford hopes that the event can provide a moment of unity and solace through cultural connection.
The William Morris & Art from the Islamic world exhibition that began on 9 November last year will close on 9 March.
Picture credit: Summia Islam
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