48th ABS Annual Conference

The theme of “art in exile” is currently prevalent in discourses advocating diversity and upholding social justice for marginalised groups, as these groups are often deprived of the opportunity to express themselves in a constructive way, thereby contributing to the societies in which they live. In a recent message, the Universal House of Justice underlined the importance of the arts as an integral “part of the development of a community from the start” and “an important means of generating joy, strengthening bonds of unity, disseminating knowledge, and consolidating understanding, as well as of acquainting those in the wider society with the principles of the Cause.” consolidating understanding, as well as of acquainting those in the wider society with the principles of the Cause.” So let us investigate the possible fruit of an artist’s exile in terms of a life of worship and service, as evinced by the recently completed Mishkin-Qalam documentary film.