Gathering aims to connect creative Muslims

(July 29, 2010) – A unique gathering of Muslim artists, thinkers and creative types is set to take place at MuslimFest which will be held at Living Arts Centre, in Mississauga this weekend.

Creativity & the Spiritual Path is an ongoing series of events designed to nurture and cultivate creativity according to one of the initiative’s creators, Peter Gould of Azaan Graphic Design.

“The intention is to facilitate dialogue on topics relevant to artists, designers, musicians, directors, writers, thinkers and creative types linked by an interest in Spirituality and Islam,” Gould told Iqra.ca.

Creativity & the Spiritual Path was founded by Peter Gould and Khadija O’Connell of Barakah Life.

Similar events have already been held in California and Australia and the intention of the initiative is to revive the creative legacy that has, for centuries, defined Muslim communities.

“We have an amazing creative Islamic legacy with centuries of poets, architects, craftsmen, calligraphers, designers and thinkers,” says Peter Gould. “We need to continue this beautiful tradition and make it relevant for our time, the way people like Rumi or Mimar Sinan did for their communities.”

The organizers are hoping that their efforts will lead to a greater appreciation of artists by their communities.

“Ultimately we’d like to see creative individuals supported and appreciated in their communities everywhere,” says Gould.

Information on this weekend’s event can be found here