Join Samira Mian for a workshop rooted in the beauty and precision of Islamic geometric patterns.

In the 90 min session, you will select from a range of templates and grids to draw, sketch, colour or build out your own geometric patterns inspired by the architecture of the Islamic Lands.

Supported by The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO), a specialised art school in Fujairah, UAE.

Age requirement: 15+ (Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times during the workshop.)

Please note that doors will close shortly before the advertised time so we request that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

About Samira Mian

Samira Mian is a contemporary artist and educator known for her expertise in Islamic geometric patterns. Breathing new life into the centuries-old technique of straight edge & compasses geometry to recreate geometric patterns from the Islamic Lands. She enjoys working intuitively, reimagining these great designs with a fresh eye in contemporary colours & styles. She combines her artistic talent with her passion for teaching, offering workshops, courses, and online tutorials to help others learn and appreciate this intricate art form.

About The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO)

The School of Calligraphy & Ornamentation (SOCO), established in 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, is a government institution dedicated to preserving, teaching, and advancing the traditional arts of the Islamic manuscript.

Based in Fujairah, UAE, SOCO offers specialized educational programs in Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometric and botanical ornamentation, miniature painting, illumination, gilding, and bookbinding. Through workshops, long-term courses, exhibitions, and cultural collaborations, the School aims to preserve traditional artistic knowledge, nurture emerging talent, and promote the appreciation of Islamic arts among local and international audiences.

About The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts

The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts runs from 19 to 29 November 2026, bringing performances, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to Cambridge's historic colleges, museums, and cultural spaces. Open to everyone, the festival celebrates the beauty and diversity of Islamic arts, and, fifty years on from the landmark 1976 World of Islam Festival, carries that spirit into our own time. Find out more at cfia.co.uk (http://cfia.co.uk).

Description supplied by the event organiser.