A Light on Ramadan

In the summer of 2006 The Herbert worked with a group of young Muslim men who explored faith issues and creativity through a visual arts and media project. During a series of workshops they experimented with new materials and techniques and produced digital work for public display.

The participants were aged 14 to 18 and were recruited through the Coventry City Circle, a faith-based organisation, and the Positive Futures initiative which works with young people across the city. The Ramadan project involved staff from The Herbert's Inclusion and Media teams and the sessions were led by Birmingham artist Mohammed Ali.

Mohammed's own work is internationally recognised and is based on graffiti-inspired renderings of significant words and phrases from the Quran. The young people experimented with calligraphy-based spray art which they digitally manipulated using facilities in The Herbert's media suite. Through these activities they developed new skills and had the opportunity to discuss and share issues connected with their faith.

The project resulted in a digital artwork which was shown on The Herbert's external screen during the period of the Ramadan fast from 24 September to 24 October 2006. The screen activated at dusk which marks the end of the daily fast, and a successful launch event brought together local Muslims and non-Muslims for a celebratory breaking of the fast. The project represented The Herbert's contribution to the Festival of Muslim Cultures which was celebrated across the country in 2006.

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