Dedeicated to supporting and celebrating Arab and SWANA artists, fostering social change and amplifying underrepresented voices
Shubbak is an arts and culture charity that supports and celebrates the diversity of Arab and South West Asian & North African (SWANA) artists' creativity and innovation through its professional, participatory and engagement programmes, national touring and biennial multi-artform festival, Europe’s largest festival of contemporary Arab & SWANA arts.
Dedicated to presenting bold and visionary artistry, amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering social change, we are a vital bridge between grassroots communities, professional artists, and global stages. In the face of rising anti‑Arab racism and Islamophobia, Shubbak champions representation, centring LGBTQIA+ voices, women and non‑binary folk, Deaf, Disabled and neurodiverse communities, the rich range of ethnicities within SWANA, and those facing socio-economic barriers.
Our programme strands intertwine and culminate in the biennial festival, shaping our year‑round work.
Shubbak Festival
Our signature Biennial multi-artform Festival, celebrating contemporary Arab & SWANA creativity every two years.
Featuring artists from across the world, it presents an ambitious programme of performances, exhibitions, public art, film screenings, talks, and digital projects. By curating groundbreaking work and fostering collaboration, the festival provides a vital platform for Arab & SWANA artists to reach new audiences, amplify their voices, and push creative boundaries. It serves as a vital counter-narrative to the reductionist portrayals of Arab & SWANA cultures.
Community Engagement & Support
Our community works towards accessibility for all.
We are constantly asking ourselves: who is not in the room? We collaborate on meaningful projects reflecting community voices and experiences, such as our Assisted Tickets Scheme, Olive Jar, Acts of Recognition and Taroo. In 2024, amid ongoing polycrises in the SWANA region—including Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria—Shubbak was called upon to create support spaces for Arab & SWANA communities. With deep gratitude for Healing Justice London’s ongoing work, we partnered with them to host community-centred healing spaces. We continue to explore how best to offer support in times of crisis.
Artist Development
Shubbak’s artist development programme provides a platform for Arab & SWANA creatives to experiment, innovate, and thrive.
Through commissions, residencies, and fundraising skills support, we empower artists to push boundaries and share unique perspectives. A recent example is Hamed Sinno’s residency, leading to a co-commission with the Barbican for his debut solo album. We create opportunities for collaboration and the development of impactful projects that feature in our festival and on global platforms. This ensures Arab & SWANA artists have the resources and support needed for lasting impact in the cultural landscape.
Education & Employability
We see education as a tool for systemic change.
Young Shubbak, our largest education programme, inspires and supports young Arab & SWANA individuals in pursuing arts careers, enriching the UK’s cultural sector with greater diversity. In addition, as well as regularly guest lecturing at a variety of universities to bring Arab & SWANA perspectives, we also partner with universities to provide graduate placements that support pathways into creative industries. This programme is key to ensuring the next generation of Arab & SWANA and Global Majority young people are represented in the UK arts scene.
Advocacy & Activism
Shubbak is a dedicated advocate for representation, inclusivity, and artistic freedom.
We champion Arab & SWANA artists in significant venues, resisting censorship, raising awareness and amplifying voices. We platform Arab & SWANA art in iconic venues, expanding our reach to wider audiences. Additionally, we support artists working at the intersection of arts and activism, providing development support, delivery and a platform for their projects and ensuring their creative expression is honoured and protected. An example of a project that intersects our advocacy and artist development work is our co‑commission of An Artist’s Manual Against Apartheid.
