Making the Transformation of Islamic Art Accessible to Everyone
Around the Globe

Welcome to the Global Centre of Islamic Art

We believe Islamic art is more than just beautiful biomorphs, elegant calligraphy and precise geometry — it’s a gateway to transformation, connection, growth, and expansion.

Rooted in faith, rich traditions and centuries of history and heritage, we believe Islamic art comes alive in the minds, hearts and souls of those who engage with it. It nurtures creativity, cultivates stillness, and brings people closer to themselves, to one another, and to something greater.

That is why we have established the Global Centre of Islamic Art with a vision to make the transformation of Islamic art accessible to everyone around the world.

We Craft Experiences that Inspire Creativity & Prosperity

Every course, event, and community experience we deliver has one goal: to remove the lack of access, lack of support, doubt, confusion or other barriers that often hold people back.  

We lovingly designed them to empower you to dive deep into this mesmerising and deeply meaningful art form. Here’s exactly how we do that:

Online Courses & Islamic Art Challenges

Step-by-step classes for all levels, including our popular 30 Patterns in 30 Days challenge.

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Online Community Membership

Join a supportive space with regular workshops, resources, and like-hearted creatives from around the globe.

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Global Events & Festivals

Celebrate, learn, and connect with a global community through inspiring online gatherings, such as Artathon for Aid and Islamic Art Week.

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Free Guides

Beautifully crafted guides to help you begin your journey — no experience needed.

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Our Impact

Since 2022, over 7,000 people have engaged with us — from thousands of curious beginners and over 85+ established artists to 17 cultural institutions and grassroots community groups from all over the world.

We’ve pioneered high-quality effective learning programmes and exceptional creative experiences in the Islamic art space on a global scale:

The Stories of our Students and Partners Speak Volumes

Wherever you are on your journey, and whatever your role — learner, teacher, supporter, or admirer — we’re here to help you discover your own transformation through Islamic art.

"We had the pleasure of collaborating with the GCIA team as a collaborator for the Islamic Art Week 2024 event, and from start to finish, the experience was amazing. Everyone we interacted with was warm, responsive, and very cooperative. We felt supported and appreciated! What we really appreciated as TAKVA is how they care about our Ummah and our Islamic artistic culture. We also admired how dedicated they were behind the scenes. Their team worked hard to ensure everything ran perfectly! We are thankful for the opportunity to be part of this impactful initiative, and look forward to working together again in the future, Insha'Allah."
TAKVA
Islamic Art Week 2024 Collaborator
It was a truly enriching experience. Sharing my journey on how to become a full time artist allowed me to connect with a diverse audience, reflect on my own growth and inspire others to pursue their creative passions. The team's excellent communication and support made the process seamless, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful event. I hope to be part of it again in the future :)
Farah Bidin
Water Colour Artist
GCIA is professional, thoughtful and wonderful to work with!
Ingrid Parrington
Stained Glass Artist
I’m really grateful and honored to have been a part of a wonderful Islamic Art Week. The GCIA team was professional every step of the way, and very understanding and accommodating and extremely supportive, and overall a great brand. The broad spectrum of artists and their work has been a source of great inspiration, for me as an artist, and  I hope that our work has been engaging and inspiring for the wonderful audience. I look forward to future collaborations.
Qudsiyyah Bhayat
Calligrapher & Physician
Before, I struggling with accuracy and just following what I found in books. I didn't understand why the steps were as they were, but I had a sense that there was a logic. GCIA's course explained that logic and the daily interaction helped me to become more accurate.  Also, I find that the traditional method that we used reinforced the geometric aspects of this art.  And being ushered through the challenge by Fadhila was exceptional. Her teaching style is both gracious and graceful. Finally, the exceptionally well organised technological aspects put this course well above most other online courses I have seen.
Pamela B.
GCIA Student
I am sure someone up there has blessed me to be part of the 30P30D challenge. It was enriching to be part of this and finding the amazing community. Every step of the construction of the pattern has been taught with ease like a mother teaches her child to write for the first few times. By the time the challenge ended, I felt that I was meant to learn IGP and the happiness is of a different/special kind. Blessed be GCIA and in the endeavors you take.
Shweta K R
GCIA Student
The warmth and friendliness became something to look forward to. The patient teaching made everything easy. Fadhila, Sandy and their team, the love they have for Islamic Art is infectious. I recommend  this challenge unreservedly. We learnt much more than expected.
Mahmudah B.
GCIA Student
I really enjoyed the course overall. I really appreciated the quality of course materials, the support and presentation. Prior to the course I was not sure whether I would do it or not but now I am absolutely glad that I did do it. I am hoping that this will be a hobby for me as I didn't really have any hobbies until now. It was nice belonging to a group with similar interests. While it is obvious that a lot of members have extensive artistic experience it is also nice to know that I am not the only one starting out in the artistic journey.
Jim W.
GCIA Student
I loved the respite from the daily hectic nature of life, and the experience of uniting with people from across the world, people from various political ideas and a variety of religious beliefs.  It is such a hopeful example that we humans can come together in respect and good will to create something beautiful. Also, as someone who has chronic illness and experiences a significant level of pain, I have found that the construction and later, the painting of the patterns is a real pain reliever. The combination of focus and intention to create something beautiful, along with the relaxing, meditative atmosphere helps to put the experience of pain into the background rather than in the foreground.
Cat C.
GCIA Student

Honoured to Partner With Organisations From Around The Globe

Meet Our Co-founders

Fadhila Al Dhahouri

Fadhila Al Dhahouri comes from a multi-cultural background of both Arab and South Asian. After graduating, she was elected as the first-ever Muslim, International Student as Student’s Union President at Cardiff University. In 2019, while working in the Embassy of Oman, London, She started practicing Islamic Geometric Art in the process of healing from depression and anxiety and using it to connect with the oneness of Allah. Now, Fadhila is focused on organising, uniting and empowering the Islamic Art community. She believes everyone must experience the transformative power of Islamic Art.

Sandy Kurt

Sandy Kurt is a Bosnian artist based in Italy. She discovered Islamic geometry in 2016 specialising in miniature geometry, principally using watercolour as a medium  Besides being an educator and surface pattern designer, she also mentors future artists in setting up their own art businesses. She believes that everyone can find peace in Islamic art. Her miniature complex geometry and sense of colour captured the attention of social media and soon she was inspiring thousands of artists to get started with this traditional art form.
OUR VALUES

The Foundations Of Our Culture

As an Islamic organisation, we champion and uphold the following values:

Trailblazing

Constantly pushing boundaries of what's possible, pioneering new ways to create the future.

Community Centric

Islamic art can only flourish when it is done together. We aim to create spaces that forms a thriving global community.

Pragmatic

Grounded in practicality and delivering results through a data-driven, results-oriented approaches.

Independent

Encouraging everyone to bring unique perspectives to the table, standing for innovation and success for all to uncompromising serve the best interests of the Islamic art space.

Empowering

Supporting the next generation of talented artists, innovators and leaders to shape Islamic art and beyond.

Celebrating Diversity

For centuries, Islamic art has been global, full of the rich diversity that compels us to celebrate it.

Accessible

Individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives are welcome to create a dynamic team, community and ecosystem.

Trailblazing

Constantly pushing boundaries of what's possible, pioneering new ways to create the future.

Community Centric

Islamic art can only flourish when it is done together. We aim to create spaces that forms a thriving global community.

Pragmatic

Grounded in practicality and delivering results through a data-driven, results-oriented approaches.

Independent

Encouraging everyone to bring unique perspectives to the table, standing for innovation and success for all to uncompromising serve the best interests of the Islamic art space.

Empowering

Supporting the next generation of talented artists, innovators and leaders to shape Islamic art and beyond.

Celebrating Diversity

For centuries, Islamic art has been global, full of the rich diversity that compels us to celebrate it.

Accessible

Individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives are welcome to create a dynamic team, community and ecosystem.

Have What it Takes to be a GCIA Legend?

Want to contribute your skills or time? We welcome volunteers for event help, community engagement, design, admin, and more. Be part of something meaningful. 💙

Apply Now

Volunteer with Us & Let's Make Islamic Art Flourish Globally

Whilst based in the UK, over the years we’ve grown into a global, remote team. Our work would not be possible without our Islamic Art Legends (what we call our volunteers). 



Our passionate team is made up of artists, marketers, designers, techies, and researchers who are committed to making our vision a reality.

If you would like to be part of a supportive and empowering culture, as well as contribute to our global and expansive vision, then apply below.

Become a Legend

Collaborate with Us and Let’s Help Islamic Art Flourish Worldwide

We believe the beauty and impact of Islamic art is magnified when we come together. Whether you're an artist, educator, organisation, or passionate supporter, there’s a meaningful way for you to contribute.

Artists & Masters
Communities & Cultural Organisations
Volunteers & Supporters

Artists & Masters

Passionate about Islamic art and teaching? Join us to co-create online courses, workshops, events, and challenges that inspire and preserve traditional techniques.Together, we can help it reach hearts, hands, and homes around the world.

Let’s Collaborate

Communities & Cultural Organisations

Part of a mosque, school, gallery, or cultural group? Let’s collaborate globally to bring Islamic art to your community through events, workshops, and outreach programs.

Let’s Collaborate

Volunteers & Supporters

Want to contribute your skills or time? We welcome volunteers for event help, community engagement, design, admin, and more. Be part of something meaningful.

Let's Collaborate