• Zalfian Fuzi

• Malaysia
• Programme Facilitator

Zalfian Fuzi has worked for the past 15 years producing content for performing arts and digital media as a digital content producer, director, arts manager, dramaturge and lecturer.

Zalfian holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Drama from Philadelphia. He was awarded a Chevening Scholarship by the British Government and graduated with a Master of Arts in Theatre Directing from London’s Middlesex University and Moscow’s Russian University of Theatre Arts (GITIS),

Zalfian is the Artistic Director/CEO of Theatre Management Associates Sdn. Bhd., which he established to implement plans in arts management education & training, co-production & touring, and infrastructure development. His company comprises a world-class team of practitioners, arts entrepreneurs, and creative people with vast experience in, developing, delivering and operating vibrant arts centres, theatres, galleries and music venues.

He is also the Head of Creative of WebTVAsia, Asia’s largest multi-channel network of 1,500 youtubers. He has co-produced annual digital content forums, Rise of Asia Forum (Bali 2016) & (Bangkok 2017) featuring a captains of the media, broadcast, and creator industry. For WebTVAsia, he also produces original content programming for new online series.

Zalfian was the Chief Operating Officer of IZI Media Group Sdn. Bhd. for 5 years where he specialised in creating viral videos for clients under maxman.tv. He is responsible for producing, programming, and acquiring content to broadcast across web, OTT, mobile, cable, and IPTV platforms to create new niche premium media platforms.

Zalfian Fuzi was formerly the Associate Director of the Instant Café Theatre Company (ICT) for 5 years. As Associate Director of ICT, he assisted in planning the company’s strategy and implementing the overall artistic vision. He directed, acted and wrote scripts for new comedies, dramas, revues, plays and corporate shows.

As a facilitator, dramaturge, and director he ran ICT’s FIRSTWoRKS program to develop new writing for the Malaysian stage. He uses his skills in dramaturgy and scriptwriting to conduct workshops for writers and mentors the playwrights as they develop their scripts. Notable successes include the award-winning plays “Air Con” and “Hero” which he directed and dramaturged.

As a teacher/lecturer, he lectures acting and directing courses to Sunway University’s Department of Media & Performance and frequently conducts actor training course at schools, corporations, and academies throughout KL such as Enact Academy.

Zalfian received 2 nominations for Best Director at the Cameronian Arts Awards. As Associate Director of The Instant Café Theatre Company, his productions he directed received a total of 14 nominations and numerous wins.

His media awards include: Most Freaking Awesome Youtube Video of 2015 – WebTVAsia Awards 2015

Gold Trophy Best Viral Video of the Year – Malaysia – Dragons Asia 2014, Bronze Trophy Best Viral and Video of the Year – Asia – Dragons Asia 2014

• Saqib Sheikh

• United States
• Trainer

Saqib Sheikh is Chief Content Officer for Kuala Lumpur-based marketing agency, Dynametrix Digital, and is a Journalism Lecturer at Xiamen University Malaysia. He has previously served for six years at the the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) handling media trainings across the APAC region.

Saqib completed his Masters in Communication at Purdue University, USA. He has received certification from DigitalMarketer, USA in Content Mastery and Customer Value Optimization. In his spare time, he is a regular blogger for Zilzar Life online lifestyle magazine.

• Azuan Muda

• Malaysia
• Trainer

A Creative Branding Strategist and a Do-er. Some said “A Modern Renaissance Man” and “A Pure Bootstrapper” – an observant speaker/writer, advocating storytelling, digital content strategies and content marketing. In 2015, he was named LinkedIn’s 2nd Most Engaged Marketers in Malaysia.

• Razif Hashim

• Malaysia
• Trainer

Razif has conducted training programmes for companies and organisations such as Magic, Cradle, ProfiCEO, Redcomm, Teach For Malaysia, Startup Malaysia, 1Malaysia Entrepreneur, and Homegrown.

A skilled & meticulous seafood eater, Razif Hashim is no stranger to the food, travel & media industry. Having spent years in the entertainment industry as an actor, emcee and TV host, he is most prominently known for his comedic culinary adventures “Best in The World” that travelled all the way to Japan. The show was aired all across the ASEAN region, Canada and most recently Hong Kong. He is currently working on a brand new video food directory called FungryTV.

As a passionate theatre practitioner, Razif Hashim also founded FTalent, a community school of acting and corporate training that has trained over 2000 people since its inception in 2014. Being involved in humanitarian work, he recently he started a social enterprise that help refugees with their livelihood through performance art called Theatrefugee.

• Zalfian Fuzi

• Malaysia
• Artistic Director & CEO of Theatre Management Associates Sdn. Bhd.

Director, actor, teacher, and dramaturge, Zalfian has worked in theatre and the creative industry for the past 15 years, having developed, and directed award-winning productions to public and critical acclaim. His specialisations include content creation, acquisition and distribution. He has also programmed art spaces for the convergence of multiple art forms. Zalfian is the Chief Executive Officer of Theatre Management Associates Sdn. Bhd., established to implement plans in arts infrastructure development, touring and coproduction, and training for arts managers. His company comprises a world-class team of practitioners, arts entrepreneurs, and creative people with vast experience in designing, developing, delivering and operating vibrant arts centres, theatres, galleries and music venues.

• SANA MALIK

• CANADA

• HAMZA EL FASIKI

• MOROCCO

Hamza El Fasiki (1988) MA, is an Artist Social Entrepreneur from Fez, Morocco. He is founder of Craft Draft social business in Fez.

Has experience on Social Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation in Morocco, USA, Algeria, Turkey, Japan, Greece, UAE, Germany and the UK.

He is a State Alumni of the 2010 SUSI Social Entrepreneurship study program at Miami University of Oxford. He is the author of two books: “Social Entrepreneurship: Meaning, Challenges, and Strategies” and “The Cultural Identity of Entrepreneurship: When Collectivism Rules”. Currently, he is writing a book chapter titled ” Social Entrepreneurship in Morocco: A View on the Cultural Factor” in an edited volume at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

He is an apprentice artisan etcher in the coppersmith craft since 2013. He is founder of Craft Draft social business in Fez which aims at preserving the Moroccan craft through bringing it to the masses. His has started his musical studies in 1999 and begins his music career in 2004. He is an Andalusian musician and plays four instruments; classical Guitar, Andalusian Oud, Harmonica and Ukulele.

He eventually earned his spot as Co-Founder and Trainer at the Moroccan Center for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship – Moroccan CISE. He is currently a professional consultant, trainer and facilitator in the field of reflexive music, social entrepreneurship and traditional crafts. He is also a steering committee member at CIN – Cultural Innovators Network, the largest Euro-Med network of social and cultural innovators.

• HAMIDA NOVAKOVICH

• AUSTRALIA

• MUHAMMAD HAFIZAN BIN ABDUL HALIM

• MALAYSIA

Muhammad Hafizan Bin Abdul Halim is a full time artist, working from his parents’ home in Kampung Tualang, Pokok Sena, Kedah. Focusing on traditional art like calligraphy, illumination and ornaments, his current attention is occupied by illumination work from the Malay traditional manuscript. His passion for history serves as a significant influence on his artwork and is the fuel behind his current and future projects, including the full list of royal portraits and a book centering on the history of the royal family.

• NEDDA KUBBA

• GERMANY

• LUQMAN SHEIKH GHAZALI

• MALAYSIA

• LEILA YOUNES EL-AMAIRE

• GERMANY

Leila Younes El-Amaire is a slam poetess, spoken word artist and activist. She is an organizer at i,Slam e.V. since it was founded in autumn 2011. i,Slam wants to empower young muslims in Germany to use poetry as a powerful mean to express themselves in a beautiful artistic way. There she is one of the leading coordinators, head of public relations and also responsible for legal matters. Besides that she gives workshops about creative writing and performance in schools, youth centres and other institutions. In another project called “Juma” (‘young, active, muslim’), she takes part as an active member in various campaigns and events. As a representative of “Juma” she is also part of a leading committee, which aims to combine a bigger part of the german organisations with a ‘migration background’, called “the New Germans”.

• SABA RIFAT

• UNITED KINGDOM

Saba Rifat is a British-born artist based in West Yorkshire, UK. Her work is inspired by meditative and contemplative beauty resonating from principles of Islamic art. As a self-taught artist based on merit of portfolio and passion, was accepted and completed M.A. in Visual Islamic and Traditional Art (VITA) at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London. She draws inspiration from colours, shapes, light, the mundane in daily life and surrounding nature, assimilating conceptual reality of ‘pattern is life and life is pattern’. She holds value that shapes and mathematical geometric forms are not just for appearance sake but have a qualitative and symbolic purpose echoing spirituality. Her work is influenced by artists including Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and Bridgette Riley. Saba paints on gesso boards, wood and paper valuing the process of making and using natural pigments to harness colours vibrant. Currently her practice occupies working with geometric forms experimenting in screenprint, photography and 3D polyhedrons installations to produce urban ‘visual dialogues’, to express balance, harmony, and proportion. Through the multitude of expressive possibilities crystalline patterns lend themselves to, she aims to create engaging, innovative, contemporary and unchartered work strongly rooted in tradition and spirituality.

• MANISHA JM

• MALAYSIA

As featured on DailySeni.com article ‘5 Young Creative Malaysian Ladies Who Are Out of Your League’:

Manisha JM is a poet at heart. Though the words on her blog may seem dark and slightly depressing (typical poets), her tumblr shows the fun and friendly side of her. Nearly everyone who has ever met her would agree that these are some of the essential elements that make Manisha a great gal to be around.

Her bubbly personality and warm approach to new people is the first thing you’ll remember about her. Secondly of course, are her heartfelt poems. Manisha regularly participates in poetry readings as a member of Poet’s Passport.

A graduate of Multimedia University (MMU) with a degree in International Business, this charming lady has worked with a list of well-known establishments before setting up her own talent and artist management agency, MTalent Asia in 2014. She was also a top 9 finalist for Female Magazine’s 2014 edition of their ‘Cover Model Search’.

• PAMELA NICOLE MEJIA

• PHILIPPINES

I am Pamela Nicole Mejia, 25 years old, born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I am a Clothing Technology graduate of the University of the Philippines and I’ve been a fashion entrepreneur since I was 17. I have launched a T-shirt business, an online clothing store, a handmade accessories business, and a footwear brand.

I love the idea of using fashion and art in creating profit and in making a positive change in the world. My main fashion “tool” in my ventures and in changing the world, is footwear, that’s why they call me “The Shoeperstar.”

I started dancing when I was six, I was a cheer leader ‘til I was 18 and went on contemporary and pole dancing ‘til I was 20. I used to sing and was the lead role of four school plays such as Diary of Anne Frank, Fiddler on the Roof, Florante and Laura, and Inferno. I love reading and writing. I regularly read a new book. I’ve been writing poems since I was eleven. Listening to music is a big part of my day, it’s part of everything that I do. And if there is time, I like designing and sewing my own dresses.

• Hassan Mahamdallie

• UK
• MOCAfest Speaker & Mentor

Hassan Mahamdallie has a background in theatre, journalism and activism. Until last year he was a senior strategist at the national arts funding agency Arts Council England where he developed the council’s unique approach to art, society and equality – The Creative Case for Diversity. He regularly advises arts organisations on equality issues. His is the author of the political biography of eminent Victorian artist William Morris, Crossing the River of Fire.

Hassan writes and lectures regularly on Black and working class history. He edited the collection Defending Multiculturalism: A Guide for the Movement and is the author of British Black Rebels. He is presently researching a forthcoming book on the history of the British Anti Nazi League and Rock Against Racism. Hassan is a founding member of campaigning organisation Unite Against Fascism.

He is presently Co-Director of the Muslim Institute, a free-thinking Muslim organisation based in London and is a senior editor on the institute’s new quarterly publication Critical Muslim.

Hassan has an MA in Theatre Studies from the University of Leeds. He worked for many years as an actor. He is also a playwright and director. His latest play The Crows Plucked Your Sinews, a one woman show based on the life of Somali nationalist leader and poet Maxamud Cabdille Xassan, premiered at the London Bush Theatre’s 2013 Radar new writing festival.

www.musliminstitute.org

• Asil Attar

• UAE
• MOCAfest Speaker & Mentor

Asil Attar has been recognized by Forbes as one of the 200 Most Powerful Women in the Arab World, 2014.

A dynamic global fashion industry expert with over 20 years’ experience in retail, talent management, brand development, business restructure and expansion. A unique combination of creative and business acumen has placed Attar in transformational leadership roles.

A motivational and key note speaker on leadership, originally from the Middle East, her success has been pronounced in the past ten years due to the work that she has done on behalf of the brands that she has represented in London, Barcelona, New York and Dubai.

As CEO of Lead Associates, a business founded by Attar using her 20 years of industry expertise, she is now focused on advising businesses on the multi disciplines of the retail sector. Investing creative talent with a vision for changing the retail landscape she is responsible for bringing a host of iconic brands to the region including Abercrombie & Fitch, Arabian business magazine positioned her as one of the top 100 most powerful Arab women in 2012.

Attar is an advocate of CSR and believes that ethical and social responsibility is at the forefront of any business and for a human being to have self-respect and dignity they must endeavor to make a difference to people lives.

• Peter Gould

• Australia
• MOCAfest Speaker & Mentor

Muslim world and was inspired by cities like Fes, Damascus, Istanbul & Mecca, resulting in a remarkable visual fusion of classical Islamic design elements with his signature vibrant, fresh graphic styles.

He has since enjoyed considerable commercial success internationally, with the BBC recently describing him as “the ‘go-to’ designer for many leading Islamic companies.. (he) is among those young urban global Muslims leading the emergence of a new Muslim cool.”

Peter’s innovative, award-winning creative work is highly sought after and has reached many audiences through graphic design projects, art exhibitions, branding workshops and publications. He has also launched his own clothing label, children’s book & mobile apps, home decor and was selected as a Google Glass program pioneer explorer. He has worked with many high profile clients such as Sami Yusuf, governments in Australia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Nations.

• Ruh Al-Alam

• UK
• MOCAfest Speaker & Mentor

Ruh Al-Alam, is a British designer graduated from the prestigious Central St. Martins College of Art and an established and published designer and artist. He founded his own creative studio in London as well as a host of other entrepreneurial startups in the creative and fashion industries. He also spends considerable time in non-profit social awareness work.

Having traveled and lived in the Middle East extensively, he settled in Egypt and trained in traditional Arabic calligraphy for several years. He is now sought after for his specialism in Arabic/Islamic, calligraphic, typographic design and branding by many different agencies. He focuses on overall brand development, creative direction and digital experiences (UI/UX).

He is also a practising artist, lecturer, mentor and consultant and has exhibited both in the UK and abroad, most recently in the UAE at the invite of the Ruler of Sharjah. He founded ‘Visual Dhikr’, an art project that has its own clothing line, home decor and art prints. His work can also be found featured in several mainstream design publications and books. Amongst the many clients he has worked for, include the BBC, Channel 4, National Portrait Gallery, Wieden+Kennedy, British Foreign Office and Sony BMG.

• Alia Khan

• UAE
• MOCAfest Speaker & Mentor

Based in Dubai, UAE, Alia Khan is the Founder/Chairwoman of Islamic Fashion Design Council (IFDC), an organization established for the development of the trillion dollar Islamic fashion industry. A strong focus at IFDC is to provide a solid platform for the growth and success of Islamic fashion and its industry players.

Alia was raised partly in Alberta, Canada then later in California, USA. Before delving into corporate America, Alia took a few focused fashion courses in order to come up with her own fashion creations. Soon she was producing fashion shows and events, gaining tremendous experience on the marketing and sales side. After working under many creative experts in Hollywood, Alia set up her own independent media and production company in Los Angeles where she would win a lucrative contract from Procter & Gamble. Here she focused on producing events, TV and radio talk shows, as well as print and live content for female demographics.

In 2005, Alia was brought on the organizing team for the Arab and World Media Conference in Dubai, which expanded her exposure to the region. This along with several production contracts broadened her experience in the Middle East and Asia. Eventually, a break from the business world emerged with Alia’s deeper interest in her Islamic faith. She took a sabbatical from her work so that she could further her Islamic studies in Jordan. Upon completion of her studies, her philanthropic interest in the development of the underprivileged areas of the Muslim world became a priority. Alia’s charity provides solutions through the aid of top educators and experts from around the world who’ve joined Alia in her commitment to upgrade education systems and eradicate student malnutrition. As her work in these areas increased, Alia realized she would need to generate more funds than what was within her own means to continue this work; hence her re-entry into the workforce.

Alia has come full circle as founder of Islamic Fashion Design Council (IFDC). Her own passion for quality and stylish Islamic fashion increased her interest and study of this significant fashion space. She recognized the deep void in the Islamic fashion industry and set out to fill it. IFDC was created to facilitate the industry’s high potential. While all other sectors of mainstream fashion enjoyed benefits from organizations, chambers, and amply available assistance, Islamic fashion lacked similarly focused benefits; IFDC would soon change that.

Since the inception of IFDC, Alia has had the privilege of working with experts from the MENA region as well as North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia who share in the same passion for this industry as well as taking the responsibility of cultivating deeper meaning that naturally comes with this topic. Some of these experts have joined the IFDC Board and Council while others remain supporters and participants through their capacity within their own organizations.

• Zalfian Fuzi

• Malaysia
• MOCAfest Mentor

Director, actor, teacher, and dramaturge, Zalfian worked in theatre for the past 15 years, having developed, and directed award-winning productions to public and critical acclaim. He specialises in content creation, acquisition and distribution and has programmed art spaces for the convergence of multiple art forms. Zalfian is the Chief Executive Officer of Theatre Management Associates Sdn. Bhd., established to implement plans in arts infrastructure development, touring and coproduction, and training for arts managers. His company comprises a world-class team of practitioners, arts entrepreneurs, and creative people with vast experience in designing, developing, delivering and operating vibrant arts centres, theatres, galleries and music venues.

• Shikkha Gupta

• UAE

Shikkha Gupta, has over 10 years of experience in management and business consulting. Her forte has been in the field of innovation consulting and she has helped organizations in the region strategize and ideate on a number of projects. She has a M.S. in Engineering Management from Northeastern University and is currently pursuing her Doctor in Business Administration degree at Herriot Watt University, Dubai.

Her diverse background and strong passion for entrepreneurship led her to develop the concept of TheFashSet. She received numerous requests from friends and acquaintances on guidance and advice on starting out as an entrepreneur. Marrying her desire to help out fellow entrepreneurs and her love for fashion seemed like her calling. TheFashSet is a platform that supports Fashion Startups through education, workshops, job placements, networking and events. She loves connecting and collaborating with people and strongly believes that change is only constant. She is always on the lookout for the next big thing in Fashion, Retail and Technology!

• Giorgio Ungania

• UAE

Giorgio Ungania was born in 1968 in Rome and started with the music business where he has been working as a sound engineer / producer for various recording studios. Later he joined the broadcasting industry as audio post manager for Orbit Satellite TV and later Dubai Media Incorporated.  Ungania has also been running his own specialized training for T.V. producers & companies in Italy, and has had major broadcasters national and international as clients. He also gained experience in the movie industry having been working as soundtrack producer, visual effect supervisor and executive producer for various 35mm. features. He is a regular columnist for various specialized technical magazines. He has lectured on media and technology in many schools and universities in Europe and the Middle East, as well as collaborated with Apple, TED Conferences, UNESCO and currently, working for Expo 2020, Dubai.  Ungania loves technology and new media, where he sleeps with his MacBook Pro on his chest and if he could he, would be online 24/7.

• Adam Radolinski

• Poland

Adam Radoliński  Graduated from Artistic Photography and Political Science. His video art debut by etiude “Dance of Her” (2011), another video art project was the “Loop” (2012), made by the collaboration with Drama Theatre in Legnica (Poland). Starting a series of art performances, made in 2012. His short film “Molting” (2012) received the award for best director within 48 Hour Film Project Warsaw, 2012. In 2013, began working with the Theater Performative Loom, which resulted in the study “Swap” (2013) – award for best director within 48 hour Film Project Dubai in 2013, and short film “Perfect Free” – award in 2014 for best Director of PATV 2014. Last exchibition: 2013 Inetrnation Photo Exhibitions “Differences” in Browar Mieszczanski, Wroclaw, Poland (group) 2012 Internation Exhibitions “Diploma” at the Polish National Cultural Center in Korytarz ART Gallery, Jelenia Gora, Poland (group) 2011 Photo Exhibition “Faces of…” in Thetar Gallery, Legnica, Poland (solo)

• Adam Shamash

• Canada

Adam Shamash is an award-winning filmmaker whose work bridges the peoples, stories and cultures of the Middle East with those of the West. He believes that good films, like good stories, have the awesome power to unite our world.
Adam has over 10 years of experience in documentary and fiction film, and has worked extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East- from Mauritania to Yemen, from Iran to Jerusalem. He has made campaign videos and commercials for numerous clients, including the Government of Canada, the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Celebrate Mercy, and the Royal Hashemite Family of Jordan. He is presently developing his first feature documentary, My Father’s Paradise, in addition to a number of short fiction films.

In 2011 Adam was nominated for the Best Emerging Canadian Filmmaker award by HotDocs film festival (Toronto, Canada). His films have won numerous awards, including Best Film, Best Director and Audience Award. Adam holds a Master’s Degree in Filmmaking from Goldsmith’s University (London, UK) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Filmmaking from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema (Montreal, Canada). He is based between Canada, the UK and the Middle East.

• Andrew Love

• USA

Drew Love is a musician of multiple talents creating music in the genres of R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul. He has had the opportunity to perform with artist like Dalion, SLRG, D-West and Jay Cartesian, for Hip-Hop festivals in Ohio where he was raised. While still getting himself settled in the Los Angeles Music scene Drew has performed with up and coming stars like Two Strangers On a Stage (Dana Maman & Philip Hernandez) and Bloco Novo (Bobby Easton). Through his involvement in music Drew had always been exposed to Dance and the ways that the two arts work together since the age of 11 when he became a singer and bass player for The Joyful Noize Gospel Band, a full production that organized shows incorporating live music with contemporary dance. Drew Love came to Los Angeles in 2012 to take on new challenges. He is now a Monitor with Capoeira Batuque after 9 years of training in various places within the US and Brazil. Where his awareness of Music and Movement is continuing to flourish.

• Asif Sinan

• Pakistan

Asif Sinan is a quintessential World Musician from Pakistan who seamlessly blends the genres of Indian Classical, Jazz and Sufi Music. A summa cum laude Music graduate, Sinan has gained recognition for his dexterity in playing Raagas on the guitar and changing its tonal quality to make it sound like a sitar. He has also collaborated with numerous Jazz, Brass and Folk musicians from Germany, USA and India. Sinan is also an IVLP Alumni and has toured the US, UK and Germany extensively with his ensemble. His largest performance has been at the Deutsche MusikFest to an audience of 150,000 people! Sinan has worked closely with the Oxford University Press in conducting music education workshops and is an active member of the ‘Samvaad Foundation’ that works for the promotion of music in Pakistan. Sinan is increasingly sought after to represent Pakistan’s music on the international stage.

• Farah Alkhatib

• UAE

Farah Alkhatib, a Jordanian Filmmaker, studied Acting for film and cinema at Acting studio in Cairo, Egypt for a one year , then traveled to Los Angeles, California and studied Film production at Hollywood institute.  She also studied Film making – Directing Program at New York film Academy and was very involved in numerous film making workshops.  Farah made some short Films as a director during her studies, and upon graduating she directed more than eighteen music videos for twelve Emirates singers, all these video clips filmed at United Arab Emirates.  Her diverse exposure has allowed her to work in different projects as Assistant director, producer, as assistant director with the world-class director, Mohy Aldeen Qandor, in his film Facebook Romance and directed and produced the documentary Program Greats in Islam.

• Kamal Abbas

• Lebanon

Kamal Abbas is founder of Cross Arts Cultural Association, owner of “Shortcut events planning” company, and manager of the project “Tripoli’s Street Art Revolution.” The project has made presence on global television stations such as; BBC, SBS, France24, TV5, MBC, AlHurra, Human Right Watch, MTV, 1BC, Future, Rai Uno and more. The project demonstrates the Arts as an agent of peace building between two sects from different regions who are suffering from the war of more than 25 years.  Abbas is also involved in Theater and is a trainer of physical expression and mime.  He works with theatrical exercises to strengthen capacity building, as a therapy for psychological support for refugees, and works with diverse personalities of children from ages 6 to 16 years.  He is also a poet with works that revolve around humanitarian issues, social and human rights.

• Maryam Golubeva

• Latvia

Maryam Golubeva Moscow born Latvian artist with Turkish ancestry who is currently living and working in UK. She is using pre Soviet era paper cutting and engraving to deliver a cross cultural narrative that aims to re-establish the historic bond between east and west.

Qualified English-Russian translator, teacher and artist, Maryam began to draw since her early childhood. As a young Soviet Pioneer she began her studies at the local Art School. In 1992 her family moved to Riga, Latvia, a former satellite state of USSR.

Due to her Russian Orthodox background at the age of 12 she was sent to an icon painting studio, learning the basics of Palekh miniature and Russian iconic canon. In 1999 she studied drawing under a recognized Latvian artist Ludmilla Perec.

In 2006 she moved to Britain, Lancaster. Following her spiritual revelations she became aware of her ancestrial heritage and turned to art of papercutting, she briefly saw on television when she was a little girl. Inspired by Eastern philosophy as well as by early art of Byzantine, Turkey, Middle East and Asia she started experimenting with paper and patterns. Teaching herself the basics of Islamic calligraphy and ornaments from books and online resources she was able to combine her already existing skills with new insights to produce her art of intricate papercutting.

• Mjd Kadi

• UAE

Mjd Kadi, Syrian Artist who was born in 3^rd of September 1991. Mjd raised and currently lives in United Arab Emirates – Al Ain city. Mjd recently graduated from Abu Dhabi university as a business administrator.  Mjd enjoys discovering and improving his artistic side and trying to create a very unique and different type of art which carries a whole world of stories. Mjd is a self-taught artist who is literally fell in love with art and he believes that he can enchants art lovers and let them live mentally inside the painting. Mjd is the 1^st winner among UAE’s universities in art competition which held by RedBull in Dubai (2012). Also Mjd won the 1^st and 3^rd place in the one competition which held by AbuDhabi University (both branches males and females). Mjd has participated in some exhibitions and galleries in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. And his dream is to share his type of art not only locally but internationally.

• Reem Al-Rawi

• UAE

ReeM Al-Rawi completed her Bachelor and Masters degrees in Architecture at Carleton University. Coming from diverse cultural and social international backgrounds affects clearly her Architectural design projects and Artistic works.

She participated in a number of international Art Exhibitions as well as Architectural competitions, contributed in planning and managing a number of social fundraising events in support of ongoing international charity causes.

In addition to teaching experiences in Carleton University during her graduate years, she was also part of the academic design field as an adjunct instructor in AUD’s interior design faculty and CUD’s Architecture faculty in Dubai.

“Architecture of War: a conflict generated Architecture” was the title of her Masters of Architecture Thesis which focused on the city of Baghdad as it discussed the influence of the built in sustaining life and continuity in cities of constant conflict and war.

Her style in art tends to follow the mixture between the architectural style mixed with forms of Arabic calligraphy to reshape through colors and lines, scenes and silhouettes of site specific subjects, she uses acrylics, pencil, ink as well as mixed media to complete the art pieces.

• Safina Sajid

• United Kingdom

Safina Sajid is a British born Muslim who lives and works in the northwest of England.  In June 2013 she graduated with a First Class Honors degree in B.A. Fine Art with Integrated Media awarded by Lancaster University.  Her creative practice concerns itself with the celebration and exploration of cross-cultures, identities and traditions.   She explores the fusion between Eastern and Western cultures through sculpture, installation, painting, printmaking and photography.  Influenced by her Eastern heritage and Western upbringing, she was surrounded by many forms of art such as bright colorful fabrics, textiles, traditional Islamic and Asian pottery, architecture of the East and West and Arabic calligraphy.  All these influences have resulted with her creating a unique and interesting collection of colorful artwork.  She utilizes the found object which aims to transcend from the throwaway item to an item of artistic beauty.  With manipulation that involves recycled children’s toys and beautiful colorful recycled Asian outfits and embellishments to create installation and sculptural work, giving the viewer a new meaning to the found object.  She wants the viewer to feel how people’s traditions and cultures are important to their lives and as individuals, we most often  accumulate different cultures through our lifetime from where we live, parents, birth, country, language, religion, education, travel and lifestyle which all influence our cultural identity.

• Shiza Tareen

• Pakistan

A Pakistani Fashion Designer/ Photographer well known as ‘Miss Paisley’ in Fashion Industry. Born and raised in Quetta. ‘Shiz Paisley Studio’ by Shiza Tareen is Haute Couture, renowned for bridal couture registered with Chambers of Commerce & Industries Quetta. She has been designing outfits for famous Models/Actresses for Television Morning Shows, Drama Serials and international clients. She likes doing fashion shoots of models for her own label. After completing her MBA (marketing) in 2011 she has learned to carry out multiple tasks in diverse fields of expertise by her leadership & exceptional qualities. Her photographs capture moments in the lives of Underprivileged People. She strives to combine the aesthetics and expressive power of photography with the goal of letting the world know about social, ecological and economic injustices. She won ‘National Photo Contest for portraying Culture of Fundamental Rights in Pakistan’ at The ‘International Democracy Day’ conference by National Endowment for Democracy (NED) & CCEP held at Islamabad in Sep, 2012. Previously working with Center for Civic Education Pakistan as a coordinator/artist in year 2009 she trained 60 university students on the topic ‘Young People for Peaceful and Tolerant Society’ by Acrylic paintings lessons followed by an Arts Contest. She had won prizes in various arts & photography competitions.

• Teakster

• United Kingdom

‘A Muslim artist should be a mirror for our Islamic heritage’ – Teakster

Voted one of the top ten Muslim digital artists in the world, Teakster offers a refreshing new take on Islamic art in the 21st century.

Born and raised in the UK, Teakster’s artistic style is a fusion of Islamic artistic traditions, modern techniques, and contemporary metaphors.

His work has been exhibited and published across the globe, winning many awards. Consequently his talents are used by organisations to help them find creative solutions to their design issues.

Teakster has a massive online following through his blogs where he comments on artistic news, and provides advice and much needed inspiration to new artists.

Working with both emerging and established artists is his passion, as he believes it’s the best way to develop the growing movement in Islamic arts.

Teakster’s love for inspiring the next generation of artists is shown through his engaging workshops and presentations.

His efforts as a mentor and role model have been recognised by UK Prime Minister, David Cameron.

His ultimate aim is to connect communities and cultures, and challenge the negative images and narrow perceptions of Muslims, through the serene universal language of art.

• VMK

• UAE

A visual artist first, everything else second.

vmk spent his formative years in Dubai learning from respected artists, and perfected his craft using mediums like graphic pencils, oil pastels and watercolours.

Early in his career, he was part of the longest painting project as declared by the Guinness World Book of Records in 2000. At the age of 17, he was featured in the press (Gulf News) as a rising young artist in Dubai.

He received his Master of Arts degree from the Academy of Art University, USA and won the Focus Award at the University Spring show in 2010. In the corporate environment, he served in corporations as the creative associate, director of photography and creative director. He returned to pursuing art in its true and independent form in 2012, using photography and graphics to create still installations.

vmk executes his projects with a photojournalistic methodology, after a substantial amount of research and on choosing topics that are either contemporary or from his own experiences in life. He considers his work not only as a medium to express his perception but also to share the anecdotes of the people he meets.

When not creating art, vmk is busy planning his next adventure.

• Zaman Jassim

• Saudi Arabia

Zaman Jassim

Born in Khobar in the east of Saudi Arabia , lives and works in the Qatif city, Working in the field of art for more than twenty years, holds a Diploma of the Institute of Art Education in Riyadh with distinction

Participated in many local and international exhibitions , and has also Held more than 10 personal exhibitions in Qatif , Alkhobar, Jeddah, Muscat, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dubai and tow solo in Paris and Beijing and Seoul

And has won numerous awards, most recently developed the first prize in a contest Ambassador Award and the International Biennale Kharafi in Kuwait

Participated in many events and artistic activities within and outside Saudi Arabia was also nominated for many artistic events and meetings of Foreign Affairs, also served as Chairman of the Community of Fine Arts in Qatif and Reporter of the Fine Arts Society Culture and Arts in Dammam

Currently full-time artist

• Zohab Khan

• Australia

Zohab Zee Khan is a spoken word poet, didgeridoo player, harmonica beat-boxer and hip-hop artist. Zohab is a five-time Australian Poetry Slam finalist and State champion and has toured throughout Asia, Africa and Europe to sell out crowds. In 2014 Zohab was a finalist in the International Poetry Slam in Madrid, Spain, narrowly missing out on top spot. He is the founding director of Zee Poetics, an organisation that aims to inspire a new generation of poets through performance-based workshops in schools. He is regularly contracted to compile educational programs used extensively throughout Australia.

Zohab has been writing and performing poetry for over a decade and has successfully conducted writing workshops throughout the world. He has made countless media appearances and is the subject of an upcoming SBS TV documentary.

Zohab’s high energy and powerful words have left countless inspired.

• Hassan Mahamdallie

Hassan Mahamdallie has a background in theatre, journalism and activism. Until last year he was a senior strategist at the national arts funding agency Arts Council England where he developed the council’s unique approach to art, society and equality – The Creative Case for Diversity. He regularly advises arts organisations on equality issues. His is the author of the political biography of eminent Victorian artist William Morris, Crossing the River of Fire.

Hassan writes and lectures regularly on Black and working class history. He edited the collection Defending Multiculturalism: A Guide for the Movement and is the author of British Black Rebels. He is presently researching a forthcoming book on the history of the British Anti Nazi League and Rock Against Racism. Hassan is a founding member of campaigning organisation Unite Against Fascism.

He is presently Co-Director of the Muslim Institute, a free-thinking Muslim organisation based in London and is a senior editor on the institute’s new quarterly publication Critical Muslim.

Hassan has an MA in Theatre Studies from the University of Leeds. He worked for many years as an actor. He is also a playwright and director. His latest play The Crows Plucked Your Sinews, a one woman show based on the life of Somali nationalist leader and poet Maxamud Cabdille Xassan, premiered at the London Bush Theatre’s 2013 Radar new writing festival.

www.musliminstitute.org

• Mohammed Ali

• Graffiti Artist
• United Kingdom

Mohammed Ali has been creating vast street-art murals, installations and arts experiences around the world for over a decade. A winner of the prestigious ITV South Bank Award in 2009, Mohammed actively challenges the oft-heard term ‘clash of civilizations’, with his fusion of street-art and Islamic script, along with conscious messages that speak to people of different faith traditions.

Whilst being a graffiti-artist since the late 80’s, his art has now focused on the message as opposed to expressing the identity of the artist, as can be seen with much of graffiti-art today.

He describes his work as, ‘taking the best of both worlds’, inspired by the graffiti art of the 80’s while drawing on the inspiration of his faith as a Muslim, and bringing back to the forefront principles that are fading away from our modern societies. This led to him speaking at the first TEDx event to take place at the Vatican in Rome, the first of its kind dealing in religious freedoms in the 21st century.

Whilst painting murals across the world in cities, including Dubai, Melbourne, Muscat and New York, Mohammed is the founder and artistic director of Soul City Arts, a cutting edge organization which brings together artists across various spectrums, exploring themes of spirituality and the urban space.

His mulch-disciplinary practice of video, sounds, and animation that he explored whilst working in the video-games industry, he draws upon to engage the viewer into the art and more recently has delivered rich immersive experiences of live painting, digital projections and atmospheric vocals and poetry in theatres and public spaces.  He has brought together artists from around the world to create art that connects with the soul.

• Aïdah Aliyah Rasheed

• USA

Aïdah Aliyah Rasheed is a visual artist and educator. Her work to date includes photography, video, mixed media, sculpture, and installation. Her work explores ideas of history, family & communal relationships, heritage, and inheritance. Rasheed’s most recent project has been researching and examining her familial connection to the history of Muslims in America. She received her BFA from Morgan State University in 2008 and her MFA from California College of the Arts this in May 2013. She currently resides in Oakland, CA, USA.

• Asif Sinan

• Pakistan

Asif Sinan is a quintessential “World Musician” from Pakistan who has been able to bring together the genres of Jazz, Indian Classical and Sufi Music. He has also gained recognition for making his guitar sound like a sitar.

Sinan is a summa cum laude music graduate as well as an alumni of the US State Department’s prestigious International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). He recently toured 9 cities in the US performing as well as giving talks about Pakistan, its culture and music.  Sinan has also collaborated with numerous musicians from Germany, USA and India. He is also the first Pakistani artist to be invited to perform at the German Music Festival 2013 attended by 150,000 people.

Sinan is increasingly being chosen and invited to represent Pakistan’s music on the international stage for he understands the music of both the East and West and is also a superb live performer, composer and arranger.

• Kilema

• Republic of Madagascar

Kilema is a master of the Marovany, Kabosy and Katsà (native instruments) and carries the magical, rhythmic soul of Madagascar wherever he goes. Born in Toliara (Southern Madagascar), he began playing with local bands and building rustic instruments at the age of 12.

He went “pro” as a vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist, performing with the likes of the Justin Vali Trio under the aegis of Peter Gabriel´s Real World label (Main womad festivals between 1993-1997). Kilema formed his own band in 1997 and his first solo album “Ka Malisa” (Iris Music/Harmonia Mundi) was released in 1999, “Lavi-Tany” (Ventilador Music) in 2004 and ”Mena” in March 2008 by Coast to Coast/Snail Records.

He now resides in Encinarejo-Cordoba, Spain and regularly tours with his brother Nesta and Spanish musicians, Manuel Luque and José Salgado, spreading good vibes and love with their infectious and joyful music.

KILEMA´S EXPERIENCES INCLUDE: Main womad stages with the Justin Vali Trio: Australia, New Zealand, Reading, Moers Jazz Festival, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Woodstock 25th Anniversary, Japan and much more.

The sunny island Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa, nurtures amazing music!

• Joel Cerdor

• Australia

The passion for music has been inherent in Joel Cerdor since
childhood. Having learnt classical guitar through his teenage years
from his father he acquired a keen interest in traditional stringed
instruments. Over the past 8 years he has studied under Pooya Mehmanpazir and Ostad Reza Ghassemi learning Persian music theory, repertoire (Radif) and Setar (stringed lute) techniques.
Recently completing a Bachelor of Creative Arts using the Setar and Persian music as his main form of expression he has collaborated with many different artists from different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds such as dance, film and music.
He has since played extensively with traditional Persian ensembles and solo internationally. Being actively involved within the Persian community in Australia and Malaysia, he has had the opportunity to play at cultural events such as Mehrgan and Rumi celebrations. Now his main focus is on free improvisation and meditation within the spirit and feeling of Persian music.

• Tasnim Baghdadi

• Germany

Tasnim Baghdadi is 25 years old and was born and raised in Cologne, Germany. Building up
on her Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies she started her Master’s in Asian and Islamic Art
History with a strong focus on Art and Architecture of the Middle East a year ago. She also
works as a freelance artist in the fields of Digital Illustration, Graphic Design and
photography.
Her recent series of illustrative photographs, entitled “Tribal Mysticism” deals with issues of
female and political / ideological identities in the case of young Muslims. She makes a special
reference to the recent Arab Spring revolts, highlighting the constant clash of modernity and
tradition. The series is showcased on the international online gallery for Middle Eastern art,
www.artclvb.com, and is part of the online exhibition www.muslima.imow.org by the
International Museum of Women.
Her inspiration is derived from various styles and genres, which she brings to realization in a
photo-manipulative, pop-art, surrealist manner.
Find more of her work on her official website www.photofountain.net.

• Nadia Janjua

• USA

Nadia Janjua is an emerging Artist, practicing Architect, and Art Educator based in the Washington, D.C. area. Her passion to beautify the world with her hands, combined with her fascination of design and technology led her to startup an art and design-based business in 2011, called Nadia J Art.
Her art work is inspired by her deeply spiritual and emotional connection to her faith, as well as the experiences of her life’s journey. Ever since she can remember, Nadia has been reflective of the human experience — from its chaos and despair, to its magnificence and beauty. It is this search for insight and understanding of any moment or event that has led to an infinite source of inspiration for her creative works.
Nadia has been exhibiting her work professionally throughout the United States over the past ten years, and more recently, internationally. She has had numerous works commissioned by private collectors and contributes her art annually to charity events.

• Nilgün Akıncı

• Germany

As a child of a bi-cultural family based in Germany, Nilgün Akıncı ever since felt the affinity for the interplay of the familiar and the unknown which shaped her life. 25 years old, she grew up in Cologne and studied Asian Studies in Bonn.

Now she lives in Berlin and is doing her master’s degree in Intercultural Communication Studies with focus on gender issues at the European University Viadrina. After an excursion into journalism at the university radio station and working as a freelance author for the multicultural “Gazelle Magazin”, she acquired a deep view inside in the making of TV, film and visual storytelling at the German broadcasting channel WDR as an assistant. Working as a freelance photographer and videographer she gains experience in different set ups.

Her projects, like the video installation called “Europa’s Daughters” and most of her photo series, deal with archetypes of the collective unconsciousness and question gender stereotypes. Her inspiration derives from strong individualistic characters of history, nature, mythologies about it and the divine revelation.

While her videos are mostly aimed for society and intent to rethink over patterns, her photographs are gates to other worlds which inspire to dream.

• Noor Iskandar

• Singapore

Noor Iskandar is a multidisciplinary artist based in Singapore, currently in his final year at
Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design and Media. He is pursuing his
Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Photography and Digital Imaging. Iskandar has participated as a visual artist in both local shows such as Marketplace of Creative Arts: Singapore Leg at Asian Civilisation Museum in 2011 and for international circuit, the prestigious Pingyao International Photography Festival and the Belfast Photo Festival in 2012.

Noor Iskandar sees art as a philosophical investigation, dealing with social and cultural issues that are laden with complexities and perceptions- of judgements and prejudice. Recognizing the power of this medium, he holds dearly to his ambition of using his craft as an avenue to identify, express and address vital issues especially those dear within his epistemology. As a visual artist who has an overpouring ardour for poetry and emotional overlay, the undercurrents of his works reflect these bouts of emotions and lyrical balladry; most times shrouded with clouds of melancholia as he contemplates into the frailty and deficiencies of our identity and memories; of living itself. Muslim imageries and icons such as the religious garbs are often his recurring subjects, in externalizing the conflict and confusion stirred within him. In engaging issues that may be contentious, he has embarked on a deep introspection and inquiry; like seeking solace and dialectical debate through these problematic social crises.

• Qasim Arif / illm

• Netherlands

Illm’s creative style of writing and developing letterforms are experiments of fusing calligraphy and typography with classical Arabic scripts and with the art of tagging and lettering in the hip-hop culture.
The artwork has many sides to it, with the main themes being spirituality and politics. The purpose of the art is to inform, highlight and remind Muslims as non-Muslims alike about certain concepts within Islam. A humble attempt to make the visuals form a starting point for enlightenment, education and conversation for the betterment of society as a whole. The lighter side is more playful with Middle Eastern and Western cultural references.

Illlm’s graffiti inspired Arabic work has been published in the book Arabic Graffiti, which was an international success and the standard work on this topic. The work was also part of the similar titled exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin (Germany).

• Ravinderjit Singh

• Malaysia

Rav is one of Asia’s foremost percussionists and leads the multi award winning world music group The Diplomats of Drum. He is recognised by his colourful Turbans, irrepressible creativity, tremendous clarity and exciting rhythmic improvisation added to his out-of-the-box playing style and absolutely crazy antics on stage. Outside of Australia, he is recognized as arguably one of the most creative and skilful didgeridoo players to have graced the performing arts scene.

Rav is a proponent of global fusion and the usage of music, especially drums to promote Love, Peace, Happiness & Unity, and that is the same powerful message of hope that his multi-racial band of brothers share. Why drums? Rav has this to say “There’s something about a drum. It’s nearly impossible to walk past one and resist the urge to hit it. It’s instinctual. It’s natural. It’s primal.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing for years or if you’re just getting started—when you play a drum, it instantly becomes one of the best parts of your life.”

When not touring with DOD, he plays with a myriad of musicians & world renowned DJs, records for TV, Films & videogames, designs and facilitates community drum circles and teaches percussion around the world.

• Tasleem Jamila

• USA

Tasleem Jamila, Poet, Emcee, Vocalist, Fashion Designer, Radio Host, Activist and Motivational Speaker/Teacher.

Tasleem draws from her experiences growing up in Chicago, her faith, her ancestors and her numerous world travels.

Her creative vision led her to fuse Hip-Hop, Jazz, Soul, Blues and Spiritual experiences which lends to her universal appeal.

In her travels, Tasleem has performed at various venues, in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Ghana, West Africa and many festivals, universities and theaters across the nation.

Her company My Soul Speaks, LLC released a CD “Tasleem” 2008 a live and uncut DVD “My Soul Speaks” 2005 and now in 2013 a poetry book “Black Baptist Muslim Mystic: from the Cosmos”. She has shared the stage and/or worked with such artists as The Last Poets, KRS-1, Brother Ali, Tinariwen (Mali), Tiraline (Morocco), Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Lupe Fiasco, Vieux Farka Toure, Rock Steady Crew, Kindred and the Family Soul, Jurassic 5 among others.

Website:
www.tasleemjamilaonline.wordpress.com