The “Jameel Prize 2011” – an exhibition of contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic tradition arrived in Madrid, Spain, organized by Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), in partnership with ALJ Community Initiatives (ALJCI). The exhibition features works by the artists and designers short-listed for the Jameel Prize 2011. The exhibition was opened at Casa ?rabein Museum, and exhibited more than 20 artworks created by artists who competed to win the prize. The exhibition was warmly welcomed by the public interested in contemporary creations are inspired on Islamic culture and international art. During the opening ceremony, Fady Jameel, President of ALJ Community Initiatives International, said the tour of the exhibition comes in line with ALJCI interest to raise the awareness with the finalist artworks inspired on Islamic culture and art. He added that the exhibition is part of ALJCI activities to support artists and designers from all over the world and to introduce Jameel Prize to the world. Salwa Toqan, the exhibition curator, said the Spanish people, specially students from schools and art institutions, are highly interested in visiting the exhibition. According to Toqan, huge number of visitors were attracted to the exhibition since the first day of opening. In 2011, the organizing committee of Jameel Prize announced that the Algerian born Rachid Koraïchi has won the Jameel Prize for the year 2011. The winning artwork is a selection of embroidered cloth banners in black and white, from a series entitled Les Maitres invisibles (The Invisible Masters). Rachid Koraïchi received the prize in a ceremony specially organized in Jameel Gallery, at the V&A in London. Artworks of the finalists reflect the rich Islamic culture from which they inspired their creations, and embody the extent of vitality, uniqueness and elegance of Islamic arts. The tour started early this year at France, and then moved to Spain, from which it will travel to the United States.
