International Islamic Art Festival 2024: Celebrating Heritage in Lahore

International Islamic Art Festival 2024 (IIAF24): A Celebration of Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality

In Conjunction with UNESCO International Day of Islamic Art

Dates: 15 November – 18 November 2024
Location: Lahore, Pakistan

The International Islamic Art Festival (IIAF24) returns to Lahore from Friday, 15 November to Monday, 18 November 2024, bringing together a vibrant celebration of Islamic art and culture in conjunction with UNESCO’s International Day of Islamic Art on 18 November. The festival promises a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a platform for artists, scholars, and enthusiasts to explore the beauty, depth, and spirituality of Islamic art.

As an annual event, IIAF has established itself as a key contributor to promoting Islamic art globally. Over the years, the festival has created a lasting legacy by providing unparalleled access to the rich diversity of Islamic artistic traditions, with a special focus on educating and inspiring youth. This year, we continue that legacy, fostering an appreciation of Islamic heritage and its profound impact on the world’s cultural landscape.

The Mission of IIAF24

The International Islamic Art Festival is not just an event—it is a movement aimed at preserving, promoting, and celebrating Islamic art across the world. Each year, the festival engages thousands of attendees, from art lovers and historians to students and cultural enthusiasts. IIAF24 seeks to inspire future generations to cherish and preserve Islamic heritage while embracing the evolving role of art in modern times.

Islamic art, characterized by its intricate designs, spiritual depth, and cultural significance, plays a crucial role in shaping global aesthetics. The festival seeks to highlight the ongoing relevance of Islamic art by combining historical exhibitions with modern technological approaches, offering visitors a comprehensive and interactive experience.

Our Esteemed Partners

This year’s event is supported by a prestigious group of international and local institutions dedicated to the promotion of Islamic arts and culture. These partnerships are crucial in curating the rich and diverse content that the festival is known for:

• IRCICA (OIC), Istanbul, Türkiye
• Consulate of Türkiye, Lahore
• Yunus Emre Institute, Lahore
• Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran, Lahore
• Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra)
• Walled City of Lahore Authority
• Lahore Museum

Festival Highlights: An Immersive Cultural Experience

IIAF24 offers a wide range of programs designed to engage and inspire. Attendees can look forward to exhibitions, workshops, performances, and discussions that showcase the best of Islamic art. Below are some of the standout events planned for this year:

1. Exhibitions:

• Khursheed-e-Jahan Taab: Honoring the winners of the IRCICA International Calligraphy Competition, this exhibition celebrates excellence in calligraphy, presenting commemorative plates that highlight the intricate artistry of Islamic script.
• Arzu-e-Husn: A celebration of textiles and carpets, this exhibition will showcase the beauty of traditional craftsmanship in the ancient art of carpet weaving (Qaleen Baafi).
• Ganj-e-Giraan Maya: Delve into the aesthetics of Islamic bookbinding, exploring centuries-old techniques that preserve the heritage of Islamic scholarship and artistic expression.
• Naqoosh-e-Zareen: Discover rare Islamic crafts, including metalwork and ancient coins, highlighting the richness of Islamic civilization’s artistic legacy.
• Misaal-e-Mulk Abad: An architectural journey that explores the timeless messages and philosophies embedded in Islamic architecture.

2. Workshops: Hands-On Learning

A series of engaging workshops will allow participants to learn traditional crafts and techniques, providing a deeper understanding of Islamic art forms. Some of the workshops include:

• Artful Paper Making: From paper mache to craft
• Masterful Calligraphy: Techniques in Khat-e-Nastaliq, Thulth, and Nasakh
• Elegant Book Binding and Creative Pigment Making
• The Art of Ebru (marbling)
• Islamic Geometry and Arabesque Designs
• Ceramics and Pottery Crafting

3. Competitions and Youth Engagement:

• Takhti: The Takhti Children’s Exhibition & Competition nurtures young talent by focusing on the beauty of the national script Nastaliq, encouraging children to explore the rich traditions of Islamic art.
• Afkar-e-Taza: Discussions aimed at inspiring the next generation, with a focus on the national language, Rasm-ul-Khat, and its relationship to Islamic aesthetics.

4. Cultural Performances:

• Raqs-e-Darwaish (Whirling Dervishes): Experience the spiritual journey of Rumi’s followers through the mesmerizing practice of Zikr performed by the Mevlevi Sufi order, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity.
• Qawwali Night: Immerse yourself in the soulful Sufi music tradition of Qawwali, which has played a significant role in spreading Islam across South Asia. This unique spiritual experience unites listeners and performers in their collective search for divine proximity.

A Commitment to Heritage and Innovation

The International Islamic Art Festival is not just about showcasing traditional art forms but also about exploring the fusion of traditional and modern techniques. In this rapidly changing world, IIAF24 will bridge historical practices with contemporary technologies, creating a dialogue between past and present. By fostering collaboration between artists from different regions, the festival aims to generate new ideas and innovative approaches to Islamic art.

Join Us in Celebrating Islamic Art

Whether you are an artist, a student, or simply someone who appreciates culture and beauty, the International Islamic Art Festival 2024 invites you to be part of a remarkable journey through the diverse world of Islamic art. From workshops and exhibitions to performances and scholarly discussions, IIAF24 promises an enriching experience that will deepen your understanding of Islamic artistic traditions and their enduring influence on the global cultural landscape.

Mark your calendars for 15 to 18 November 2024, and join us in Lahore as we honor the rich legacy of Islamic art in all its forms. Let’s come together to celebrate, learn, and be inspired by the timeless beauty and spiritual resonance of Islamic culture.

For more information on registration, schedules, and ticketing, visit our official website.