We’re delighted to announce our collaboration with Shubbak to present Marking Narratives, a community programme led by Syrian-born artist Issam Kourbaj.

Marking Narratives explores mark-making as a form of cultural storytelling, bringing together Arab and SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) communities in West London.

Over five sessions from 5 to 9 May, participants will engage in hands-on creative processes, experimenting with materials and transforming ideas into tangible artworks. Through stamping and mark-making on various surfaces, they’ll weave together personal and collective cultural narratives of heritage, connection, and belonging. The artist and participants will also be hosting a sharing and celebratory event on 1 June 2025.

The programme also explores the vital link between culture, creativity, and well-being, embracing themes of solidarity, resilience, and shared humanity, elements central to Kourbaj’s artistic practice. Using found materials and ready-made objects, participants will reflect on memory, identity, and community through artistic expression.

About Issam Kourbaj

Issam Kourbaj is a Syrian-born artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores displacement, memory, and resilience. With a background in architecture, fine art, and performance, Kourbaj’s work addresses global social issues and has been exhibited internationally at venues such as the British Museum, the V&A, and the Venice Biennale.

About Shubbak

Shubbak is Europe’s largest festival of contemporary Arab culture, showcasing artists, storytellers, and creators from across the Arab world and its diaspora. Through performances, exhibitions, and community-led projects, Shubbak fosters dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.