Hands On Islamic Art - The Seminar

Hands On Islamic Art is an exciting cultural heritage project that works to connect the UK with its astounding, and often underappreciated, art collections from the Islamic world. Through it, eleven projects across numerous British museums and institutions have brought these Islamic collections to life and conencted the public to them through interactive and engaging activities.

Now, this special event brings together leading voices in Islamic art, heritage and cultural engagement to share insights from Hands On Islamic Art . It brings together all the projects from the three-year programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by The Barakat Trust.

Why attend?

This seminar offers a rare opportunity to engage with some of the most forward-thinking practice in the field. Through case studies and discussion, we’ll explore:

• How to create meaningful connections through Islamic art collections
• How museums can build trust and long-term relationships with underrepresented communities
• What practical tools are needed to move from tokenism to genuine cultural exchange

The Barakat Trust champions the art, architecture and cultural heritage of the Islamic world, to promote understanding, respect and global public engagement.

Despite the richness of the UK’s Islamic art collections, audiences with heritage links to this culture remain underrepresented. Museums often struggle to engage meaningfully with these communities, as such narratives can challenge established interpretations or raise concerns around representation.

Hands On Islamic Art responds to this gap by equipping museums and heritage organisations with the tools, knowledge and networks to interpret Islamic art collections more confidently and inclusively, involving members of the public as co-curators and partners. From national museums to grassroots initiatives, the project supported curators, educators and community leaders to make Islamic art heritage more visible, better understood, and more meaningfully shared.

Chaired by:

Seif El Rashidi, Director, The Barakat Trust (Chair)

Dr Mariam Rosser-Owen, Curator, Middle Eastern Section, V&A

Dr Venetia Porter, Honorary Research Fellow, The British Museum and The Courtauld Institute of Art

Case studies from: The Wallace Collection • Arab British Centre • Leighton House • Kettle’s Yard • The Fitzwilliam Museum • MIAH Foundation • Salaam for Schools • Tate St Ives

This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from those leading change in the interpretation and presentation of the artistic heritage of the Islamic world in Britain. Whether you’re a curator, educator, researcher or community practitioner, you’ll gain valuable insights, practical ideas, and new connections.

The event will include informal networking, café-style discussions, lunch and refreshments.