Amal Al-Sibai

Saudi Gazette

 

AUSTRALIA’s very first Islamic art museum, the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA) will open its doors to the public on March 3, inviting visitors to an interactive journey through the arts, history, culture, and the stories of the earliest Muslims to arrive in Australia and also contemporary Australian Muslims.



“Come in, explore, and learn about the Muslim contribution to Australia, come in and see beyond the visages, beyond the veils, beyond the hype, and beyond the stereotypes.” — that is the message of the museum’s founders.



The museum is a non-profit organization with an objective to share the rich artistic heritage of Muslims in Australia, by shining light on the contributions Muslims have made to culture and civilization throughout time.



It is a little known fact that the first contact Australia had with Islam was in the early 1700s when Muslim fishermen from Makassar in Southern Indonesia arrived on Australia’s shores, according to IMA’s official website. The Muslim fishermen traded peacefully with the Aboriginals of Australia and they left a mark on the indigenous people’s language, art, and economy.



Later, in the 19th century, men from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan were imported for their expertise as camel handlers and these men became imperative for the building of a new nation. Workers from Turkey, Albania, Bosnia, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern countries continued to migrate to Australia.



Today, Australian Muslims play a positive role in contributing to Australia. Muslim participation in the arts, politics, sports, and education is increasing, despite representing less than 2% of Australia’s population.



The design of the museum is unique because it represents a marriage between both Islamic and Australian art, design, and architecture; the result is a slightly shocking but beautiful building. A verse from the Holy Qur’an adorns the front part of the building; its translation means: {so narrate to them the stories so that upon them they may reflect}.



Encompassing five permanent galleries, visiting exhibitions, a café, gift shop, educational resources, a large multifunction center and theater, and a garden, the Islamic Museum of Australia aims to promote harmony and mutual understanding between cultures and faiths.



The first of its kind in Australia, the museum will showcase a diverse range of Islamic arts including architecture, calligraphy, paintings, glass, ceramics and textiles. Displays will include artifacts from the different artistic styles and cultural influences of various empires that came under Islamic rule, such as Spanish and Persian influences.



Islamic architecture throughout the world was shaped by a spiritual foundation. Islamic cities surrounded the important core of the city, which was the mosque. Around the mosque, schools, markets, homes, hospitals, and the rulers’ palaces were built.



The signature of Islamic art and architecture was the words, texts, and scripts beautifully written in Arabic calligraphy; praising God and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).



Today, the Islamic Museum of Australia also aims to promote and support new, aspiring Muslim artists, both local and international. The gallery is geared towards sharing the artistic and historical achievements of Muslims internationally, and more importantly, in Australia.



It will provide cross-cultural and educational services offering fascinating insights into the Muslim Australian experience for visitors and school groups.



More than a museum, it is to be a versatile community center that can host a wide range of cultural activities, such as: book launches, corporate functions, cross-cultural training, calligraphy, art & craft classes, and other educational events.



The museum’s cafe will be operated by a former Master Chef contestant, Samira El-Khafir. She will serve her signature dishes for breakfast and lunch daily that are a fusion of Australian and Middle Eastern flavors.

 

The International Museum of Australia is located in the state of Victoria, which has become one of the world’s leading multicultural hubs.



The concept for Australia’s first Islamic Museum began as an idea that former corporate banker, Moustafa Fahour, had back in 2009 and it all started after he shared his idea with his wife, then with friends, and eventually prominent figures in his community.



“We were discussing the importance of education and its role in providing a better understanding of Islam and showcasing the contributions of Muslims to Australia and abroad. I soon met with a number of community organizations to discuss cross-cultural unity and education and it became clear that one of the most effective ways to enhance cultural diversity and social cohesion was through art,” said Moustafa Fahour, founder and director of the Islamic Museum of Australia.



“I realized that there was no place in Australia for people of all faiths to come together and learn more about Islam. There was nowhere for school children to learn about the rich artistic heritage of Muslims in a fun, interactive, yet educational way, so we decided to do something about it and the concept of the Islamic Museum of Australia was born,” he said.



With a great deal of work, and support from governmental, community, and industrial bodies and large-scale international and Australian corporations, Fahour’s vision for the museum is now a reality.



“One of the most effective ways to promote cultural diversity and social cohesion is via the universal language of the arts and education. The state, Victoria, has been home to a Chinese, Jewish, and Greek museum for many years so the time is right to reflect Australia’s rich cultural diversity with the addition of an Islamic Museum,” said Fahour.