23 June–9 July 2023

Thank you, London. It was a good one! 

  • 17 co-commissioned new works 
  • 13 world premieres
  • 16 UK premieres
  • 15 sold-out shows

Whatever your walk of life, your tribe, creed, belief, Shubbak 2023 invited you to take an Arab breath with us across London and beyond. Shubbak permeated hallways, galleries, concert halls, public squares, gardens and screens. Our multi-artform festival delivered some of the most exciting as well as emerging artists from the region and across the world.

Thank you, you artists bringing a magical and feverish excitement with such feist, hope, grit and humour. Thank you for the extended family and the enduring memories.

Thank you, our funders, more like partners, walking alongside us with curiosity and care, welcoming challenges, leaning into the questions, fostering the stretching and the growth.

Thank you, partner venues and creative co-conspirators, for giving us homes, relationships, the iron strength of collaboration and the uplift of facing the complexities together. We are so much more when we are in community with you.

Thank you, our audience, you loyal, passionate, curious, honest lot. We remain at your service - keep telling us your truth, keep holding us accountable. 

Thank you, you wild tribe of volunteers swooping in with generosity, possibility, flexibility, and readiness. Thank you for the light and the lightness. We honour you and every moment you gifted us.

Take a look back

Shubbak 2023: Highlights video

Our seventh edition was filled with fire, joy, courage and humour. Take a look back with us and watch the magic of Shubbak 2023.