62 is a new online social platform showcasing the work of British South Asian artists, activists and writers from Muslim and none-Muslim backgrounds. This project aims to combat the marginalisation of BME talent by broadening the online creative space to be more inclusive of diasporic arts, from Peterborough where 62 was born and across the UK.
Editor: Aisha Zia
Production Manager: Emily Steele
In 2019, 62 Gladstone Street was re-fashioned from an old Bollywood video shop which belonged to founder and editor Aisha Zia’s father in the 1980’s, to a pop-up public engagement art space, independent gallery and research centre. We exhibited work and created new opportunities for resident artists, hosted talks, exhibitions and workshops that addressed the palpable lack of representation for British Muslims in the UK. This new setting created a ground-breaking platform to discuss contemporary issues affecting the local community, a mix of predominantly Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian and new wave immigrants from Eastern Europe, Portugal, as well refugee’s and young people from the Middle East.
We want 62 to be a place where creativity is free and unbound, where artists and contributors feel confident, bold and brave with their work. 62 is a place where we can expand what it means to be creative, take risks and push boundaries in a safe space, transcending race, class and gender.
For more information, please feel free to Contact Us.
