Shaista is a photographer and visual artist interested in the relationship between visual histories and the present, particularly in relation to the lives of Muslims. She began her career working as a self-taught photojournalist collaborating with organisations such as UN Women, CARE International and Islamic Relief. Her work has been published and exhibited internationally, and she has been the recipient of awards for this work. However, due to concerns about the nature of the visual culture surrounding development work, Shaista embarked on an MA in Documentary Photography, leading to a transformation in her practice. Shaista is currently undertaking a practice-based PhD at Cardiff University and is a recipient of a prestigious Jameel Scholarship. Shaista’s research explores the role of visuality in the discourse of islamophobia.
Nilupa Yasmin is a Birmingham-based artist whose practice combines photography, weaving, and installation to explore identity, heritage, and belonging through her British Bengali Muslim experience.
Rehan Jamil is a British Pakistani social documentary photographer working with marginalised communities, with much of his work centering on British Muslims across the UK. His practice focuses on projects that explore identity, belonging, and social change. His work has been exhibited widely, including ZeroZeroZero: British Asian Cultural Provocation at the Whitechapel Art Gallery (1999), Common Ground: Aspects of Contemporary British Muslim Experience, a British Council global touring exhibition (2003), PSP: The Beautiful Script at the Dray Walk Gallery, The Old Truman Brewery (2005), East End of Islam at Rich Mix (2012), and most recently Jummah Aesthetics: British Muslim Men and Their Sartorial Choices at Oxford House, London (2024).
Recently he completed a two-year residency with Historic England, exploring the history and community of Petticoat Lane. His co-curated project This is Me, developed in collaboration with the MCP girls’ group, is on permanent display at the Young V&A.
Miriam is a photographic artist and community worker from Glasgow. Her photographic practice explores her heritage, community relations and the connection between land and people. Miriam seeks to uncover intergenerational histories and patterns of migration through the use of alternative photographic techniques, physical archives, and historical records.
Miriam graduated with a BA(hons) in Photography from City of Glasgow College and has since been working as a freelance photographer and workshop facilitator collaborating with a range of arts and community organisations including Rumpus Room, Greater Govanhill Magazine, Modus Arts and Bradford 25. She was recently appointed as a director of Bowling Green Together CIC, a thriving community green space in the Southside of Glasgow which organises events and public engagement programmes for the local community.
Shahista Zamir is Headteacher at Regent’s Park Community Primary School, bringing her leadership, community, and educational expertise to support Soul City Arts’ mission of empowering communities through creativity and learning.
Jehangir Malik brings over 30 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on social justice, human rights, and interfaith dialogue. He currently advises UNICEF South Asia on private-sector partnerships, serves as a Commissioner at the Woolf Institute, and is Policy and Engagement Director at Mercy Mission UK.
Amy Gibson is Brand Director for Defender and Discovery at Land Rover, with extensive experience in brand strategy and communications.