The Opportunity
British Muslim creative talent is vibrant and influential, with artists, writers, filmmakers and cultural leaders shaping some of the most original work in Britain today. Yet their contributions remain underfunded, underrepresented and overlooked in national cultural policy. This is a structural issue — and one we aim to address. The UKMN Arts & Culture Impact Lab brings together experienced voices from across the sector to map the landscape, build evidence, and engage directly with institutions and decision-makers.
What the Lab Will Do
Over the course of the programme, the Lab will produce two key outputs: a comprehensive Muslim arts directory mapping creative organisations, artists and cultural producers, and a policy briefing on representation in publicly funded arts, presented to Arts Council England. The Lab will also work towards a high-level roundtable with DCMS, bringing Muslim artists and cultural leaders into direct dialogue with government a long-overdue step toward inclusive cultural policy. All outputs will be published under UKMN, with contributors credited, forming part of the public record to inform institutions, policy discussions and the wider creative sector.
How It Works
The Lab runs in two stages.
1
Stage One is sixteen weeks of structured, collaborative work.
The Lab meets every two weeks, primarily online, with two in-person sessions. Online meetings focus on developing evidence, shaping positions and drafting recommendations. The in-person sessions offer deeper engagement — an opportunity to test ideas, hear directly from frontline practitioners, and capture expert voices often missing from policy conversations. These sessions bring real energy and impact, making them a key part of the Lab experience.
2
Stage Two is a six-week community consultation.
Before publication, draft findings are shared with the wider British Muslim community through surveys and open webinars, ensuring the final output is shaped by community input. This approach gives the Lab’s work its legitimacy and authority.Participation is voluntary but recognised. Members are listed on the UKMN website, credited on outputs, and acknowledged at public events. All sessions operate under the Chatham House Rule, allowing open and honest discussion without attribution.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for up to twelve people from across the arts and culture sector, practitioners, producers, professionals and community creatives who have the experience, the perspective and the drive to shape this work.
Key Dates
Stage One begins
12 June 2026
Stage One ends
Late September 2026
Stage Two begins
Early November 2026
Stage Two ends
Mid-December 2026
Get Involved
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you want to register your interest in joining the Lab, find out more about how it works, or simply ask a question, drop us a message at info@ukmuslimnetwork.uk and a member of the team will come back to you.
© 2026 UK Muslim Network. All rights reserved.
Launching May 2026
UKMN Arts & Culture Impact Lab
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The Opportunity
British Muslim creative talent is vibrant and influential, with artists, writers, filmmakers and cultural leaders shaping some of the most original work in Britain today. Yet their contributions remain underfunded, underrepresented and overlooked in national cultural policy. This is a structural issue — and one we aim to address. The UKMN Arts & Culture Impact Lab brings together experienced voices from across the sector to map the landscape, build evidence, and engage directly with institutions and decision-makers.
What the Lab Will Do
Over the course of the programme, the Lab will produce two key outputs: a comprehensive Muslim arts directory mapping creative organisations, artists and cultural producers, and a policy briefing on representation in publicly funded arts, presented to Arts Council England. The Lab will also work towards a high-level roundtable with DCMS, bringing Muslim artists and cultural leaders into direct dialogue with government a long-overdue step toward inclusive cultural policy. All outputs will be published under UKMN, with contributors credited, forming part of the public record to inform institutions, policy discussions and the wider creative sector.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for up to twelve people from across the arts and culture sector, practitioners, producers, professionals and community creatives who have the experience, the perspective and the drive to shape this work.
Key Dates
Stage One begins
12 June 2026
Stage One ends
Late September 2026
Stage Two begins
Early November 2026
Stage Two ends
Mid-December 2026
Get Involved
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you want to register your interest in joining the Lab, find out more about how it works, or simply ask a question, drop us a message at hello@ukmuslimnetwork.uk and a member of the team will come back to you.
Get Involved
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you want to register your interest in joining the Lab, find out more about how it works, or simply ask a question, drop us a message at hello@ukmuslimnetwork.uk and a member of the team will come back to you.
© 2026 UK Muslim Network. All rights reserved.
© 2026 UK Muslim Network. All rights reserved.