From small group classes teaching practical skills in Arabic music, calligraphy and language, through to lectures delving into the art history of the Arab world, we’ve run courses for nearly two decades from our premises in central London and, more recently, online.
At The Arab British Centre, we’re passionate about building and sharing knowledge in the arts, cultures and histories of the SWANA region – knowledge which is often inaccessible to the general public, overlooked in Western-centric syllabi, or is at threat of being erased. As we look ahead to 2026 and 2027 – when we’re marking our 50th anniversary! – we’re excited to invite expressions of interest for courses which will expand our current educational offer and bring new insights to our global network of learners.
Whether you have a tried and tested format you’ve already run, or a new idea designed around your research or specialism, if selected we will work with you to realise and deliver your ideas over the next two years.
In a nutshell:
- The deadline to submit your idea is 17 October, via our online form below.
- We’re open to suggestions for online and in-person courses at the Arab British Centre (but online will be prioritised due to capacity).
- All courses are to be taught in English for people over the age of 18.
- Course leaders will be paid for delivery and (if relevant) development.
- Please note we are not seeking teachers of Arabic language through this call-out.
Expression of Interest: Educators & Collaborators for The Arab British Centre’s Educational Programme
The Arab British Centre invites expressions of interest from educators, artists, academics, organisations, and facilitators to collaborate on educational courses and workshops for delivery in 2026–27.
We are seeking partners who can bring fresh perspectives on Arab arts, culture, history, and contemporary life, expanding our current programme of music, arts and architecture. These are delivered either online or at our premises in the City of London, and connect students worldwide with leading experts. Proceeds of our Education Programme support the charitable work of The Arab British Centre.
Please note, we are not seeking teachers of Arabic language through this call-out.
Some of our recent and current courses include:
Oud, Darbuka and Arabic Music Theory with Taqasim Music School
Kufi Calligraphy with Joumana Medlej including Manuscript Kufic and Square Kufic
Designing Dissent: Arab Creativity and Resistance with Bahia Shehab
An Introduction to the History of Modern Iraqi Art with Mysa Kafil-Hussain
Cairo in the Roaring 20’s with Raphael Cormack
A History of Islamic Carpets with Roberta Marin
How We Work
Online: Our preference is for courses to run over 4–6 weeks on Zoom, with each session lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours, and delivered on weekday evenings. However we are open to exploring other formats.
In person at Arab British Centre: We have limited time and space available for courses to run at the Arab British Centre however we are open to ideas that can activate our Meeting Room which can hold up to 14 people boardroom style. Ideas for one-off full-day or weekend courses are the most preferable, as are courses that could run weekly on Sundays.
Collaboration Models
Our approach varies depending on the type of course proposed. Examples include:
- Existing content: we pay a delivery fee; intellectual property remains with the provider.
- Newly commissioned courses: we pay a development fee and a delivery fee. In these cases, we agree on a period of exclusivity for The Arab British Centre.
- Organisational collaborations: content may be co-developed and co-delivered, with a revenue-sharing arrangement.
These examples are illustrative; final terms are agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Other Information
- This is not a PAYE opportunity. Facilitators and organisations must be responsible for their own taxes.
- For online courses, we welcome collaboration with individuals and organisations outside the UK. Please note that this does not confer rights to work or travel to the UK.
What We Offer
- Management of student recruitment and enrolments
- Management of course administration including logistics, hosting of Zoom meetings and recordings, student liaison.
- Branding, marketing, and promotional support
- Production advice and editorial input
- Access to The Arab British Centre’s networks, audiences, and cultural community
- For in-person courses, use of the Arab British Centre’s facilities including meeting room / events space, projector, flip chart, kitchen etc.
Who Can Apply?
Educators, academics, artists, researchers, cultural practitioners, or organisations with expertise in the arts, culture, heritage, history, or current affairs of the Arab world. Experience in adult learning or community settings is especially valued.
How to Apply
Please fill in the Expression of Interest form below by end of day on 17 October.
We will then be in touch by end of October to let you know if we would like to develop your course idea further.
You can save and revisit your Expression of Interest via the form below however we recommend saving your work elsewhere as a back up.
We look forward to hearing from individuals and organisations with imaginative and enriching proposals that will help us further our mission of cultural exchange and mutual learning.