Limerick to host powerful artwork exhibit addressing Islamophobia on a national scale

ARTWORK exploring themes of identity, racism, and Islamophobia will be displayed as part of the Sustainable Alliances Against Anti-Muslim Hatred (SALAAM) project. 

Limerick City and County Council, in partnership with University of Limerick, announced the launch of the SALAAM exhibit, featuring powerful artwork by Soufeina Hamed.

Titled "Building Bridges: Forging Pathways Beyond Prejudice," the exhibit showcases seven comics that share heartfelt stories and experiences faced by Muslim communities in Ireland, fostering a dialogue that champions diversity, equality, and inclusion.

The exhibit at Istabraq Hall, Merchants Quay, will be open to the public during the summer months from Wednesday, May 28 and will also tour a number of locations across County Limerick with dates and locations to be confirmed at a later date.

The SALAAM project is a European Commission funded project led by Dr. James Carr at University of Limerick, in partnership with Doras, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and the Irish Network Against Racism.

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SALAAM is focused on fighting anti-Muslim hatred through the provision of improved resources and supports to victims, the development of anti-racism training for local authority staff, the implementation of sustainable community participation platforms, and the creation and dissemination of public awareness campaigns.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran launched the exhibit, saying; "Limerick embraces neighbours from diverse backgrounds, and this exhibit beautifully reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The thought-provoking artwork, drawn from the real-life experiences of the Muslim community, challenges us to reflect deeply on issues of identity, racism, and Islamophobia."

SALAAM Project Lead, Dr. James Carr is delighted to bring the exhibit to Limerick and commented, saying; “The Sustainable Alliances Against Anti-Muslim Hatred (SALAAM) Stories exhibition underscores the power of visual art as a tool for creating understanding. It provides spaces for otherwise unheard voices, amplifying narratives and lived experiences through visual storytelling”.

Cllr Azad Talukder, the first ever Muslim councillor in Limerick, urged people to engage with the project, saying; “Some people form opinions about a certain group without ever really knowing anything about them. SALAAM is a great project to help create awareness about the experiences of the Muslim community in Ireland and to help people understand each other.”

All are invited to visit the exhibit and gain a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be targeted because of one's religious beliefs. 

It is an opportunity for the community to come together, learn, and support the values of diversity and inclusion.

Soufeina Hamed is a self-taught illustrator based in Berlin, known for her compelling comics and illustrations that explore themes of identity, racism, and Islamophobia. 

Her work aims to foster empathy and understanding by depicting the everyday experiences and challenges faced by Muslims.