Shubbak, the UK's largest festival of contemporary Arab cultures, returns to London next month, running 23rd May until 15th June 2025, bringing new and unexpected voices alongside established artists to audiences across the capital.
Returning this year with an insistence on art in the face of crisis, Shubbak Festival includes the "Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free" exhibition, running Tuesday 27th May - Monday 9th June 2025 at Grand Junction, Rowington Close.
Curated by George Khoury and originally presented by the Lakes International Comic Arts Festival, this striking exhibition showcases the works of twelve Palestinian comic artists. Part of LICAF’s ongoing exploration of the fascinating world of Arab comics, after its debut installation at last year’s Festival in Bowness-on-Windermere, the exhibition went on to tour in Leeds and Manchester.
Now making its way to London, “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” presents the unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists. revealing these otherwise-obscured artists and their remarkable perspectives on themes from the personal to the geopolitical.
The exhibition features the work of, in alphabetical order by given name, Abdelrazaq Leila, Al-Nakhala Amal, Al-Shamali Shahd, Amer Shomali, Ata Iasmin Omar (also known as Delta), Dabaie Marguerite, Harb Samir, Hifaoui Nour, Jabareen Michael, Jarada Khaled, Sabaaneh Mohammad, and Yamani Fuad.
Shubbak supports and champions the diversity of Arab artists’ creativity and innovation through its professional and engagement programmes, national touring and a biennial multi-artform London festival.
• Full details of Shubbak 2025 at shubbak.co.uk/festival-2025 | Follow and connect with Shubbak on: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
• “Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free” 10.00am – 6.00pm, Tuesday 27th May - Monday 9th June 2025 (Closed 1st and 8th June), Grand Junction, Rowington Close London W2 5TF | Web: grandjunction.org.uk | Plan your visit | Tickets: Free | Suitable for ages 6+ | All access information can be found here
Curated by George Khoury. Originally presented by the Lakes International Comic Arts Festival. Generously supported by British Council, Galilee Foundation and Arts Council England
