Launch of London programme to promote Islamic art and culture in 2012

On 25th January 2012, the launch of the Open Programme was announced: a partnership between The Prince's School of Traditional Arts and The Farjam Collection.In 2012 members of the public will be invited to learn more about the traditional Islamic arts and crafts through a series of open courses. Learning practices such as Persian miniature painting, Arabic calligraphy, manuscript illumination and geometric design, which have been perfected by the great masters of Islamic civilisation, will be accessible to all through an open education programme.

The courses will be inspired by the Farjam Collection, which contains many antique treasures from the Islamic world. Working from these masterpieces, The Prince's School of Traditional Arts will develop courses which explore the cultural and historical context of the work, and teach the original techniques used by the masters of the past. The greatness of these art forms lies not only in their universal beauty, but also the higher principles which they represent. This underlying philosophy, as relevant today as it has ever been, will be a crucial element of the courses. Through the teaching of these timeless art forms and ancient philosophy, the programme aims to promote a better understanding of Islamic art and facilitate a dialogue between cultures.

Practical courses will be available around London at evenings and weekends with no previous artistic background required. The open programme is aimed at London's diverse communities, as well as the city's many visitors. "I am delighted to partner with The Farjam Collection to raise awareness of traditional Islamic arts in London. For many years, The Prince's School has taught the principles and practice of traditional arts to postgraduate students who join us from around the world. This new programme will enable members of the public to gain an understanding of the philosophy which underlies the great traditional arts, whilst learning the same skills used by the master artists and craftsmen of the past. We look forward to welcoming many people from London's diverse communities to learn more about these beautiful and timeless art forms."Dr Khaled Azzam LVODirector of The Prince's SchoolNotes: The Prince's School of Traditional ArtsFor over twenty years The Prince of Wales' School of Traditional Arts has provided education programmes for emerging artists in the field of traditional arts and crafts. Based in Shoreditch, the School has a global reach and attracts students from around the world to undertake study at postgraduate level. By equipping the next generation of artists with same skills and design practice as the master craftsmen of the past, the School aims to ensure the continuation of these art forms, whilst encouraging innovation to make these traditional art practices relevant to contemporary society.www.psta.org.uk 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SGTelephone 020 7613 8500. Facsimile 020 7613 8599. enquiry@psta.org.ukThe Prince's Charities 'The Prince's Charities' is a group of not-for-profit organisations of which The Prince of Wales is Patron or President.The group is the largest multi-cause charitable enterprise in the United Kingdom, raising over £100million annually. The organisations are active across a broad range of areas including opportunity and enterprise, education, health, the built environment and responsible business.The charities reflect The Prince of Wales's long-term and innovative perspective, and seek to address areas of previously unmet need.http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/

The Farjam Collection

The Farjam Collection is one of the most impressive privately-owned collections in the world today. Featuring Islamic and pre-Islamic art, Contemporary Middle-Eastern art and International Modern and Contemporary Art, the Collection is born of a passion for art, exploration and travel, reflecting the affinities and tastes of a seasoned collector. Through a timeless journey into art, it embodies the fusion of cultures and traditions between East and West.The Islamic section of the Farjam Collection spans the entire history of Islam, bringing together items produced throughout the vast region between Andalusia and Mughal India. Its treasures include Quranic manuscripts, miniatures and illustrated books on science, mathematics and poetry, as well as finely-decorated metalwork, lacquer, glasswork, tiles, glazed pottery, woodwork, textiles, coins, jewellery, and fine carpets. Curated exhibitions drawn from the collection are showcased at The Farjam Collection @ DIFC, a non-profit, non-governmental gallery space in Dubai International Financial Centre dedicated to educational programming. With initiatives ranging from the summer 'Art Camp', to university workshops, to 'First Wednesday' evening lectures and panel discussions, the programme strives to engage all ages and sectors of the community in furthering their understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.

http://www.farjamcollection.org