The Arab British Centre Award for Culture in the category of individuals was presented to Nadine Kaadan for her work building bridges between Anglophone families and the Arab world. Her moving stories, including ‘The Jasmine Sneeze’ and ‘Tomorrow’, bring Syria to life for young readers, and showcase the beautiful landscapes of Damascus alongside the often difficult reality of life there as a child. Find out more about Nadine and her work in this interview, when we caught up with her a few months after her win.

The Arab British Centre Award for Culture in the category of organisations was presented to MARSM for their outstanding work in bringing bands and musicians from across the region to thousands of people in the UK. Their diverse portfolio of artists range from classical to hip-hop, and established and emerging talent from the Middle East. Find out more about Marsm and their work in this interview, when we caught up with PR coordinator Christina Hazboun a few months later.

Sudanese textile artist Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings was awarded runner-up the category for individuals, and artist platform Sarha Collective was awarded runner-up in the category for organisations.

The winners were announced on Thursday 26 September at a ceremony at London’s Living Room, City Hall.

A distinguished panel of judges for The Arab British Centre Award for Culture 2019 included:

• Sir Derek Plumbly KCMG, Chairman of The Arab British Centre
• Venetia Porter, British Museum Curator of Islamic and Contemporary Art
• Lynn Gaspard, Publisher at Saqi Books
• Imogen Ware, cultural consultant and former Managing Director of Crossway Foundation
• Karl Sharro, architect, satirist and Middle East commentator
• Rebecca Gould, Head of Arts, British Council Wales

The Arab British Centre would like to congratulate Nadine Kaadan, Marsm, Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings and Sarha Collective as well as the rest of the outstanding shortlisted candidates: Barakat Trust, Comma Press, Esther Manito, Juliana Yazbeck and Samar Ziadat.

The Arab British Centre Award for Culture 2019 was presented in collaboration with the British Council, who will provide the winners and runners-up with the opportunity to develop international networks. The Award winners will also receive a £2,500 cash prize to support the development of their work. The Award for Culture 2019 was supported by the Council for Arab Ambassadors.