Arab British Culture and Society Award 2010 winner announcement

Press Release – April 2010

THE ARAB BRITISH CENTRE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE LIVERPOOL ARABIC ARTS FESTIVAL (LAAF) AS WINNER OF THE 2010 ARAB BRITISH CULTURE AND SOCIETY AWARD.

The annual award of £5000 is made to an individual or organization which, in the opinion of the judges, has made an outstanding contribution to the British public’s knowledge and understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people.

The judges unanimously chose the LAAF in recognition of the wide range of shows and activities from throughout the Arab World which it organizes during its annual festival, and the large and growing audiences it attracts. Through its concerts, dance shows, art and photographic exhibitions, poetry readings and plays held in many Liverpool venues, and its outreach programmes in schools and other centres, it has introduced Arab culture to many thousands of adults and children, and played an important role in increasing appreciation of Arab life and culture and combating prejudice. The award will be presented at a ceremony in late May.

LAAF Manager Ngozi Ikoku said, “The first Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival took place in 2002 and thanks to our strong partners and the support of the Arabic community it has outgrown all our expectations. We are extremely honoured to be recognised with this Award and for the encouragement it gives to our attempt to bring together a wide variety of people to share and learn about Arabic culture. The Award will only strengthen our resolve to ensure that we continue to deliver a significant national and independent Festival which resonates within the city and far beyond.”

The Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival was one of ten candidates shortlisted for the award. As in previous years, the judges were impressed by the high quality and range of nominations received, and specially commended the following candidates for their notable contributions:

  • Kamal Boullata: Palestinian artist, and author of a major book on Palestinian art in its social and historical context, Palestinian Art: From 1850 to the Present.
  • Dr Eugene Rogan: historian of the Middle East, and author of an ambitious and compendious history of the Arabs, The Arabs: A History
  • Unipal: a charity which sends British volunteer teachers to Palestinian refugee camps, and invites Palestinian teachers to the UK

The judging panel for the 2010 Arab British Culture and Society Award comprised: Dr Shelagh Weir (Chair); Malu Halasa; Heather Masoud; Professor Tim Niblock; Margaret Obank; and Nadim Sawalha.

Please click here to read the full press release from Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival.

This year’s Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival will be held 2 – 11 July 2010. For further information please see the website, www.arabicartsfestival.co.uk.

For further information on the Award or the Arab British Centre please contact Imogen Ware (E: imogen@arabbritishcentre.org.uk or T: 020 7832 1310).