Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation
Celebrating and Elevating Muslim Women Worldwide
Artists, Artisans, Mothers, Wives…from Arts and Crafts, to Fashion, Food and Lifestyle, join us to learn more about the roles of women in this rich culture.
Muslim Women’s Arts Festival
JOIN US ONLINE AND LIVE IN 2026
We are delighted to offer you again a feast of over 20 vibrant events (and over 85 in total with MACFEST), live and digital, celebrating Muslim Women in the creative industries from the North West and across the world!
Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation is a space dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and amplifying the creative voices of Muslim women around the world. We champion artistic expression in all its forms, from visual arts and literature to music, film, and performance, providing a platform where stories, heritage, and talent are shared and honoured. Rooted in empowerment and inclusivity, our mission is to inspire connection, challenge stereotypes, and nurture a vibrant community where Muslim women artists can thrive and lead the cultural conversation.
The Muslim Women’s Arts Festival is a prestigious initiative that celebrates the outstanding achievements and creativity of Muslim artists across a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, literature, music, film, performance, and digital media. The Festival aims to recognize both emerging and established talent, highlighting the richness and diversity of Muslim artistic expression locally and globally. By honouring innovation, cultural heritage, and artistic excellence, the Muslim Women’s Arts Festival not only spotlight individual accomplishments but also foster greater understanding and appreciation of Muslim contributions to the global arts landscape.
An exciting opportunity for the whole family to explore creativity whilst guided by the expertise of Muslim female artists!
Nearly all of our events are free. Donations are welcomed.
Thank you for joining us!
A FLAVOUR of MUSLIM WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL 2025
MACFEST Arts Awards 2025
MACFEST, Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, in partnership with the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology at The University of Salford have initiated a new Arts Award programme that celebrates and raises the visibility of Muslim artists through an exhibition and Award Ceremony.
Dedicated to recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements by Muslim artists across the UK, the Awards aim to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the visual arts, including calligraphy, photography, painting and drawing, while creating opportunities for increased visibility and cultural dialogue.
An artists open call is announced every year in March to submit artworks under the following categories: Calligraphy, Drawing, Painting and Photography. From this initial submission artworks are selected and all Finalists feature in a curated exhibition at the University of Salford within the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.
The Award evening celebrates all the artworks submitted and announces the winners of the 4 categories. The evening is an opportunity to celebrate the talent across the 4 artforms.
MACFEST launches muslim artists’ network to Champion Diverse Creative Talent!
We are delighted to announce a new initiative, providing a safe and supportive space to Muslim Artists to provide a platform for artists to meet, network, and share experiences relating to art and creativity.
Muslim Artists Network, founded by Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA, Founder of MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival) is a dynamic new platform designed to celebrate and support Muslim artists across the UK. The Network brings together creatives from visual arts platforms with the aim of promoting greater visibility, fostering collaboration, and amplifying underrepresented voices in the arts sector.
a range of vibrant events
spread accross 9 mini FESTIVALS
The international feast of engaging and educational events connects the viewers and participants to our hosts and artists across the globe, from Canada to Indonesia!
Joining forces with Macfest, Manchester Histories Festival, Huddersfield Literature Festival, Manchester Lit and Phil Society, Creative Manchester and Health Inequalities research platforms at the University of Manchester, we promise a great diversity of speakers and artists, shedding more light on women’s experiences and contributions to culture, that often go unnoticed.
YOUTH
FESTIVAL
MUSLIM WOMEN’S
ARTS FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL OF CALLIGRAPHY AND ARTS
RAMADAN AND EID
CELEBRATIONS
INTERNATIONAL
FESTIVAL
MUSEUMS
AND LIBRARIES
NORTH-WEST
FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL OF WORDS
AND BOOKS
OUR ENVIRONMENT,
OUR PLANET
OUR MISSION
We aim to celebrate and elevate Muslim women, bringing Muslim and non- Muslim communities together, promote social inclusion and overcome barriers.
Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation and Festival will celebrate women’s contribution and roles they play in the diversity and the richness of Muslim heritage.
And just like in our sister company MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival) we aim to engage people of all ages and denominations, including school, college and university students and local communities.
Qaisra Shahraz MBE, JP, FRSA Founder and Executive Director of MACFEST and Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation and Festival
***2025/6 HERITAGE Tours: 2025 Albania, 2026 Portugal and central arabia! ***
Join us in 2025 and 2026 as we take you on a journey around the 8 centuries of Islamic Heritage!
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST VIA: tours@macfest.org.uk
Explore The history, heritage, art, cuisine and culture of
Islam around the world