ArtsEkta is proud to officially announce that the organisation has secured development and project funding from the Office of the First & Deputy First Minister through the Minority Ethnic Development Fund.

The development funding will enable the organisation to develop strategically by continuing to employ a director to implement the second phase of our three year strategy for sustainability.

The project funding will go towards an targeted outreach programme leading into the Belfast Mela 2011. Working with existing partners ArtsEkta will engage with women from the Muslim communities living in Belfast, Craigavon and Ballymena to take ownership of a specific element of the BM leading to the development of a new area titled ‘Shaeli Tent’ (meaning ‘Friendship Tent’).

Through this programme which is faith and culturally sensitive, ArtsEkta proposes using arts and culture as a tool to heighten the visibility of Muslim women and challenge stereotypes and perceptions about the role of Muslim women in society through facilitating safe and shared dialogue, encouraging cultural exchange and supporting their integration and civic participation in wider society