Report Highlights Challenges for British Muslim Creators

A new report by the think tank Equi reveals that British Muslim creatives are often funneled into receiving funding related to counter-extremism, limiting their artistic expression, Middle East Eye reported. Launched in Parliament, the report emphasizes the need for the UK government to adopt a more faith-literate approach in policy development.

Equi’s managing director, Professor Javed Khan, stated that while there is engagement from the Labour government, significant changes are necessary. The report, authored by Dr. Muhammad Gulbar Khan, notes that British Muslims are evolving from cultural consumers to producers, with the global halal market valued at $3.7 trillion.

The report criticizes the Prevent counter-extremism program for imposing restrictions on artistic intent, urging the government to repurpose funding and support a working group for Muslim creatives. Bafta-winning filmmaker Farah Nabulsi shared her experiences of facing distribution challenges due to fears of backlash. Labour MP Sarah Owen, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, highlighted the essential contributions of British Muslims to the arts.