Muslim Arts Awards
MUSLIM ARTS AWARDS EXHIBITION 2027
MUSLIM ARTS AWARDS EXHIBITION PREVIEW 19/11/27
The Exhibition of selected artworks from the third round of Muslim Arts Awards at the New Adelphi Gallery at The University of Salford, starting with a Preview on 19th November 2026 is the first chance to see the selected artworks and the winners in the following categories: Calligraphy, Drawing, Painting, and Photography.
CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets to the Preview.
To meet the winners revealed during Awards Ceremony in Manchester on Sunday 20th November 2026 CLICK HERE.
"These awards are recognising what we have in common. We have a real desire to ensure that culture keeps us together. We may be multicultural, but at the end of the day we share something here. We share a love of art, we share a love of creativity that goes back centuries." Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Chair of the Lowry, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England
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The Women’s Award 2026
MACFEST's Director won The Women’s Award Outstanding Woman in the Arts, Media and Music 2026 National Award
On Friday, 30th October, Qaisra Shahraz MBE, FRSA, a critically acclaimed novelist, arts and culture champion, and award-winning peace/gender activist won The Women’s Award Outstanding Woman in the Arts, Media and Music 2026 National Award.
She was recognised for her various arts initiatives she has founded: MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation, Muslim Women’s Arts Festival, Muslim Arts Awards and Muslim Diaspora Archives. Working with hundreds of artists and young people nationally and internationally as part of her ground-breaking festival MACFEST, she has successfully connected communities, tackled Islamophobia, placed a positive spotlight on Muslims and Islamic heritage. She is internationally known for her
lifelong passion in championing and celebrating women, youth, community cohesion, and building intercultural bridges through literature, arts and cultural heritage, including in Germany for the last twenty years.
Founder of The Women’s Awards and Shine Together CIC, Sandra Pollock OBE, said "Qaisra is a true trailblazer, and this was recognised by our judging panel. For decades she has used literature, the arts and heritage to bring communities together, challenge prejudice and open doors for women and young people, both here in the UK and internationally. In our tenth anniversary year, as we celebrated. "A Decade of Impact" it was a privilege to recognise a woman whose impact reaches so many lives. Congratulations, Qaisra. This award is so richly deserved."
Qaisra said, "I am delighted to win this award, honouring my lifelong work in the arts, culture and heritage sector, as an author, and founder and Director of an award-winning festival, MACFEST. The award will further fuel my passion for bringing communities together through the arts."
She added, "I want to dedicate this award to my amazing festival team, our wonderful partners, advisers and sponsors for their support since 2018 and help to make it what it is."
Her award was presented by Paulette Simpson CBE, Patron of The Women’s Awards.
The Women’s Awards function and conference was organised by The Women’s Awards and Shine Together CIC, celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Women’s Awards”. It was hosted by Rupal Rajani. It took place at the famous Winstanley House in Leicester.
MANCHESTER PEOPLE'S CULTURE AWARD 2023
MACFEST's Director won Manchester People's Culture Award 2023!
We are delighted to announce, that Qaisra Shahraz MBE, our Director, a critically acclaimed novelist, culture champion, and award-
winning peace/gender activist won the Manchester Culture Award 2023 in the Category: "The Manchester People's Culture Award".
She was recognised for her initiatives, Muslim Women’s Arts Festival and MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), a ground-breaking festival that connects communities, tackles Islamophobia, and breaks down barriers. She is well known for her lifelong passion in championing and celebrating women, youth, community cohesion, & and building intercultural bridges through literature, arts and cultural heritage.
In the words of the host, 'This award recognized the work which showed dedication and contribution to creativity in Manchester and achievements taken place over several years.’
OUR MEDIA COVERAGE
Manchester World
Macfest: the massive Manchester-based festival using art and culture to tackle Islamophobia
Manchester World
What Manchester Means To Me: why author, educator and festival organiser Qaisra Shahraz loves the city
The Bolton News
BOLTON is to play host to an event as part of the Muslim Art and Culture Festival
DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE: MACFEST wins The Queen's Award
We are delighted to announce that MACFEST is the winner of the 2021 Queen's Award for
Voluntary Service!
We have been chosen for connecting communities, promoting social inclusion and overcoming barriers. Thank you so much to all those who nominated us!
