The Arab British Centre has released the shortlist for its biennial Award for Culture. A non-profit organisation based in London, it aims to promote Arab culture, increase understanding of the Arab world and support the global Arab community through its unique programme of cultural events.

The 7th edition of the Arab British Centre Award for Culture spotlights individuals and organisations who have played an important role in furthering understanding and engagement with contemporary Arab culture in the UK.

Blueprint Beirut, International Fashion Showase at Arab British Centre, 2016

This year’s shortlist, put together by a distinguished panel of former winners and pioneers on the Arab arts scene, brings attention to a diverse range of interests and talents. The organisation notes that for the first time in the award’s history, the shortlist for individual contributions is comprised entirely of women.

Juliana Yazbeck

The five shortlisted individuals pushing the cultural envelope are comedian Esther Manito, musician Juliana Yazbeck, curator Samar Ziadat, textile and print artist Omeima Mudawi Rowlings and author and illustrator Nadine Kaadan. All of these women have broken ground in building cultural bridges with English-speaking audiences, igniting the discussion surrounding Anglo-Arab identity, championing inclusivity and empowering those around them.

Nadine Kaadan

The four selected organisations shed a light on everything from Lebanese hip hop acts to Yemeni theatre – the line-up consists of music and cultural events producer MARSM, interdisciplinary platform Sarha Collective, publisher Comma Press and charity The Barakat Trust.

MARSM

We’ll have to wait until 26 September to hear which outstanding cultural innovator came out on top, when a prize of around Dhs11,200 (£2,500) will be awarded to the victorious entrant in each category (individual and organisation) at a ceremony in London.