Description

This Doctoral journey delved into the rich tapestry of art within the Muslim context, particularly in Cape Town, South Africa, where faith, culture, identity, politics, and art intersect to shape a more inclusive and vibrant future. The central question of this research was how to enhance Art Advocacy, Visual Literacy, and Engagement within Cape Town's Muslim communities to increase their participation in the local art scene. This question emerged from a personal experience in 2015, highlighting the lack of Muslim voices in the city's artistic narrative due to socio-economic challenges, political issues, religious intolerance, and limited understanding of Islam in the South African art world.
To address this underrepresentation, the study aimed to boost Art Advocacy, Visual Literacy, and Engagement among Cape Town's Muslim residents, fostering a dynamic dialogue with the local art scene. The research focused on three key aspects: 1) Art Advocacy to support artists in Cape Town, especially within the Muslim community, recognizing the vital role of advocacy in nurturing artistic talent and cultural expression. 2) Visual Literacy to explore the unique perspectives and interpretations of the Muslim community regarding art, reflecting their culture and beliefs. 3) Engagement to investigate how these communities actively participate in and contribute to the local art scene.
The research delved into the influence of Islam on artistic expression and the evolving definition of 'Islamic art.' It also sought to understand how art originating from Muslim communities is perceived by non-Muslim audiences, including galleries, curators, art fairs, and art foundations.
The study was guided by the Process of Holistic Development (PHD) within the Integral Research framework, aiming for tangible transformation through the MASHŪRAH process and the MASHŪRAH Arts initiative. Integral Research follows a Mode 2 approach to social research, focusing on social innovation and impact. It addresses imbalances within various aspects of society.
During the research, a framework comprising four key levels was developed: Call, Context, Co-Creation, and Contribution, providing a roadmap from research to innovation. The study utilized a diverse range of research methodologies, including Hermeneutic-Phenomenology, Critical Theory, and Feminist Theories. As a result of this endeavour, MASHŪRAH Arts was established, an organization committed to orchestrating exhibitions and implementing practical initiatives aimed at elevating Advocacy, Visual Literacy, and Engagement. Coupled with the organization's inaugural exhibition 'MASHŪRAH,' hosted at Greatmore Studios, this initiative yielded a substantial Social Return on Investment (SROI) for the community. It cultivated a profound sense of belonging, heightened awareness, facilitated storytelling, encouraged consultation, spurred innovation, fostered knowledge exchange, and promoted inclusivity within Muslim art communities.