Introducing the ABC

Introducing the Arab-British Centre:

The ABC was founded in 1975.  Our aim has been to promote the development of dialogue, understanding and cooperation between Britain and the Arab world.  The ABC’s purpose is to advance the education of the British public by providing and maintaining a centre for the dissemination of information in English regarding the culture, science, religion, economy and contemporary history of the Arab world.

The ABC, at 1 Gough Square just north of Fleet Street, houses and subsidises a number of resident organisations actively involved in British-Arab relations. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Council for Arab-British Understanding, Friends of Birzeit University, Offscreen Education Programme and Banipal.   

The ABC is home to a library and meeting rooms available to other organisations with similar objectives. The ABC also sponsors cultural events and donates to like-minded charities/organisations.  We are now particularly keen on fostering an agenda of cultural events and highlighting contemporary Arab culture.  We are committed to promoting positive images of Arabs, their culture and society.

Recent Activities & Events:

• Arab-British Culture & Society Award - Launched in 2007 to celebrate the achievements of those that have made an outstanding contribution to the British public’s understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people.  In addition to the £5000 prize, the ABC also offers support to promote the winner’s work. 
   
• Arabic Calligraphy Classes – Classes for beginners in Arabic naskh script taught by renowned calligrapher, Mustafa Ja'far.
   
• Contemporary Arab Art Collection – Permanent exhibition housed at 1 Gough Square. A new series of art shows coming to the ABC soon.
   
• February 2010 'The Iraqi Cookbook LIVE!' - Cookery demonstration and tasting with the author Lamees Ibrahim.

• September 2009 'Celebrate Darwish' - Poetry of Mahmoud Darwish read by Fawzi Karim, Margaret Obank, Ruth Padel and Omar Al-Qattan. 

• May 2009 ‘The Iraq Museum: The heritage of Iraq since 2003’ – A lecture by archaeologist Dr Lamia Al-Gailani Werr.
   
• April 2009 ‘Palestinian Art’ – A panel discussion by artist Kamal Boullata, Professor Kamal Abu Deeb, Professor Jean Fisher and Professor Mel Gooding.
   
• June 2008 ‘Preserving Palestine’ – A lecture by Dr Suad Amiry, Director of RIWAQ: Centre for Architectural Conservation in Palestine.

• November 2006 'Palestinian Costumes and Embroidery' - A talk by Shelagh Weir and Bella Freud.