Home Correspondent
Critically acclaimed novelist, culture champion, and peace/gender activist Qaisra Shahraz MBE has won Manchester City Council’s Manchester People’s Culture Award.
Shahraz was recognized for establishing the Muslim Women’s Arts Festival and the Muslim Arts and Culture Festival at this year’s Manchester Culture Award, held at the famed Aviva Studios.
The ground-breaking festivals connect communities, tackles Islamophobia, and breaks down barriers. She is well known for her lifelong passion for championing and celebrating women, youth, community cohesion, and building intercultural bridges through literature, the arts, and cultural heritage.
According to the host, Annabel Tiffin, Broadcaster, BBC Northwest, “This award recognised the work that showed dedication and contribution to creativity in Manchester and achievements taken place over several years.”
In a statement to The Muslim News, Shahraz said, “I am delighted to win this award, honouring my lifelong work in the arts, culture, and heritage sector as an author and founder and curator of an award-winning festival, MACFEST. My passion for bringing communities together and, of course, celebrating the cultural heritage of the Muslim diaspora across the UK has been recognised.”
She further added, “I want to dedicate this award to all the culture champions, my amazing festival team, and our wonderful partners and sponsors for their support and help to make it what it is.”
Her award was presented by Guy Keeble, Regional Sales Director of Manchester Evening News. The winner was chosen by public vote in association with the Manchester Evening News.
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, OBE, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council, said, “Everyone in the running for this award deserves to be recognised for the fantastic contribution they make to culture and creativity in the city. The Manchester Culture Awards are a brilliant reminder of what helps make our city such a great place to be, and the People’s Award category is particularly special.”
Photo: Qaisra Shahraz MBE and Guy Keeble, Regional Sales Director of the Manchester Evening News
(Courtesy of Qaisra Shahraz)
