The Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) has been successful in securing a $26.3 million grant to build the Sydney Islamic Arts Museum. This grant is part of the WestInvest Community Project Grants initiative of the NSW State Government where a total of $1.6 billion in funding has been awarded to projects across 15 eligible LGAs in Western Sydney.
Since its establishment in 2009, ISRA signed an agreement with Charles Sturt University (CSU) to jointly provide Islamic Studies and Arabic courses through the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation within CSU established in 2011.
This grant is not only a success for ISRA Academy and its credibility, but it is also a success for the Muslim community and for all Australians.
Sydney Islamic Arts Museum will be the first arts museum of its kind in Sydney providing a platform to facilitate and nurture a deeper understanding of Islam through its rich contribution to the arts, culture and civilisation.
“ISRA is looking forward to working with the community and stakeholders in making this pioneering project a reality. We will be developing a website where updates on the project will be made available in due course. We will inform you when this website is up and running,” said ISRA’s Director, A/Professor Mehmet Ozalp.
He further added, “We would like to thank Charles Sturt University for the ongoing partnership. We would also like to thank everyone who contributed letters of support for this project, we appreciate your support.”
The Sydney Islamic Arts Museum will facilitate the artistic and cultural output of the Muslim community in Western Sydney and beyond, recognise Muslim contribution to Australia and engage in intercultural and interfaith dialogue.
Coupled with its arts workshops being a unique landmark, the Museum will showcase the diversity of Western Sydney and attract school students, teachers and community members building bridges of dialogue and inclusion throughout Sydney and beyond.
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