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The Amal Story

Amal’s starting point was the urgent need to change the dominant, negative narrative around Muslims in the UK. Over seven wonderful years, we provided opportunities that would not otherwise have existed for Muslims to unleash their creative potential  and so to tell their own stories – and for us all to connect with these stories and so to understand each other better. A growing Amal community worked and walked with Amal – partners, artists, participants, funders, advisers and friends. Amal’s mission, more urgent than ever, continues through them. We invite you to explore this site to see the richness and diversity of Muslim creativity.  We invite you to help change the narrative to one that is confident, diverse and just.

Watch Amal's Impact Film

Explore the 12 co-created projects we supported through the Amal Connects programme in 2022-2024.

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Print & Matter, Birmingham

Print & Matter gave Muslims in Birmingham the skills and a platform to  explore connections between religious practice and artistic expression.

Our Stories Through Nakshi Kantha, Birmingham

Women captured stories of their journeys from Bangladesh to Birmingham through drama techniques and told them through Nakshi Kantha, an embroidery heritage art form.

Salaam'O'Salaam, Bradford

A pioneering dance project modelled a network of UK-based Muslim breakers, taking to the streets and spaces of Bradford and beyond.

The Nasheed Choir, Bradford

A new form of Nasheed music blending Muslim, British and South Asian heritages was performed by boys previously new to singing to a packed Bradford Cathedral.

Discover the 63 projects we supported through the Amal Pilot and Programme in 2017-2021.

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Amal at Greenbelt 2017, Kettering

Amal showcased 80 Muslim artists at Greenbelt Festival, bringing people together through music, drama, dance, food and discussion.

Writers Realm, London

Young Muslims of mainly Somali heritage supported each other in exploring the issues that affect them as Black Muslims in weekly creative writing sessions.

Theatre Without Walls, Multiple Locations

Amal supported Khayaal to develop new Muslim heritage and multifaith stories and to deliver performances across the country.

Soul Fire Sundays, Birmingham

Soul City Arts modelled its “signature” event - the interaction of community participation, live art, food and sharing cross-cultural stories.


Amal means “hope” in Arabic. Without hope, it isn’t possible to see beyond our current realities to a place of greater social cohesion and harmony. Time and time again in Amal’s work, we have witnessed the power of art to allow people to see beyond stereotypes and divides, to inspire the radical hope of a new and better future. We know the Amal community will continue to inspire the hope on which change will be built.

Why Care?

Impact Stories

New Hope Global - Building confidence and community by reconnecting with heritage

“Holding on to our heritage is something I feel is really important... It has made me think about our roots and where our parents worked hard to be part of the UK.”

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BE FESTIVAL - Extending an arts festival’s reach into Muslim communities

“Working with Amal has led to positive change within our programming... We didn't have contacts in those communities.”

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Freedom Studios - Transforming a theatre company’s community engagement

“Without Amal we would not have reached into these communities, formed these relationships, and brought people together.”

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Jameela Khan - An emerging playwright reflects on her journey

“Jameela feels incredibly proud of Bird in the Window. Her support from Amal and the development of the piece helped her work out how to accomplish what she wanted.”

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Haseebah Ali - Making being South Asian, Muslim and an artist normal

“Don’t be afraid, people assume that to be an artist you have to compromise your religion... I'm South Asian and female but being Muslim is really important to me and I didn’t have to hide anything."

 

Read the Impact Story