Expressions of Muslim Women Creates Scholarship for Muslim Women Artists at the University of Ottawa

Muslim Link interviewed members of the EMW team about the scholarship.

How did the idea to create a scholarship for Muslim women studying Fine Arts come about?

Expressions of Muslim Women is dedicated to promoting the artistry of Muslim women in the National Capital Region. With the guidance of our mentor, Khadija Haffajjee, we aimed to put aside a portion of the proceeds from our annual shows towards a scholarship fund. We wanted to start a legacy to support Muslim women artists who wish to pursue higher studies in their field of art. We wanted Muslim woman artists to know they had the support of other Muslim women and in particular of a Muslim organization called Expressions of Muslim Women.

How did EMW go about proposing the scholarship to the University of Ottawa?

We looked at the different academic institutions in Ottawa, and concluded we could start supporting students at the University of Ottawa. We had a contact at the University of Ottawa, who also had regularly attended and supported our EMW events over the years. She answered our questions regarding our options and facilitated the process of setting up the scholarship with the University of Ottawa.

Will fundraising for the scholarship become a regular part of EMW's annual events?

For now, there are enough funds for the next three years. We can revisit our options when the funds need replenishing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

EMW has endeavoured to encourage and support the work of Muslim women artists in our Muslim and greater communities. Muslim women artists have an important and needed role in the greater Canadian arts communities. The members of Expressions Muslim Women are grateful to be able to support through this scholarship fund, Muslim women artists to pursue and develop their skills, abilities and talent.

To learn more about the EMW Scholarship for Women Active in the Muslim Community, click here

Watch a 2017 interview with EMV by studies from the Carleton University School of Journalism below (It may take a few moments for the video to load from YouTube).