The Aziz Foundation Launches Open Call for Central London's First Interfaith Art Exhibition
9 January 2026
Free-To-Enter, Shared Light will be presented as part of The Aziz Foundation’s Ramadan Lights London 2026 programme - the West End's trailblazing annual celebration
The Aziz Foundation today launches a free-to-enter open call for Shared Light, central London’s first interfaith art exhibition. This exhibition will form part of the Foundation's annual Ramadan Lights London programme. Fully funded by the Foundation, Ramadan Lights London was the first aerial Ramadan lights installation in Western Europe and, every year, brings visibility, warmth and celebration to Coventry Street in London's West End. Shared Light now extends this pioneering programme into the visual arts for the first time.
Set in the hotel café at Zedwell Piccadilly Circus within the iconic London Trocadero, a space designed around the idea of calm amidst chaos - Shared Light will offer a moment to pause and reflect. Framed by the energy and intensity of its surroundings, the exhibition will create space to slow down and consider the values that connect us. It marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s cultural work, reinforcing its leadership in social good, inclusion and interfaith dialogue.
Shared Light will bring together artists to explore the universal values at the heart of Ramadan - generosity, gratitude, patience, empathy, forgiveness, humility, peace, hope and community. While inspired by Ramadan, these values resonate across cultures, reflecting the principles of a fairer, more connected Britain. The open call invites artists to submit 2D works for consideration. Artists of all backgrounds and faiths, whether professional or amateur, are welcome to apply. Participation is completely free - with no entry fees or prizes - keeping the focus on creative expression rather than competition.
Submissions will be judged anonymously, based solely on artistic merit, visual strength and the universality of the message. Artworks will not be sold on site, but visitors can discover the stories behind each piece via QR codes displayed alongside them.
Shared Light will be curated by Raheel Khan, a former Aziz Scholar and recipient of the Goldsmiths Alumni Award 2025. Khan is a London-based artist and composer whose interdisciplinary practice spans installation, sound, performance and text. His work has been presented at leading institutions including Nottingham Contemporary, Whitechapel Gallery, South London Gallery, Lisson Gallery, Bold Tendencies and Manchester Art Gallery. His appointment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing creative leadership and supporting alumni talent.
Joe Dobson, Director of The Aziz Foundation, said:
“Shared Light is a landmark moment for The Aziz Foundation. As our first art exhibition and the first interfaith exhibition of its kind in central London, it reflects our belief that culture has a vital role in building understanding and social cohesion. Ramadan Lights London has always been about visibility and belonging - Shared Light deepens that mission through art. We are especially thrilled that one of our very own Aziz Scholars, Raheel Khan, will be curating the exhibition. His exceptional talent and commitment to giving back to society perfectly embody the values of our scholar community and the spirit of this project.”
Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee of The Aziz Foundation, said:
“At its heart, Ramadan is about reflection, kindness and responsibility to others. Shared Light brings these values to life in a way that welcomes everyone, regardless of faith or background. The exhibition will reaffirm our commitment to a society that honours dignity and mutual respect.”
Raheel Khan, Curator of Shared Light, said
“Shared Light is about exploring the values that connect us across cultures and faiths. I am thrilled to be curating this exhibition for The Aziz Foundation and to contribute to a project that celebrates shared humanity. By allowing the artworks to speak for themselves, the exhibition will create space for reflection, dialogue and moments of unexpected connection between visitors."
Running from 13th February to 22nd March 2026, Shared Light will extend The Aziz Foundation’s innovative approach to public celebration into new creative territory. Through this exhibition, the Foundation continues to champion interfaith understanding, cultural exchange and the power of shared values to shape a more inclusive and equitable society.