Muslims in the North; a soundscape of stories untold

It is well documented that incidents of Islamophobia have significantly increased (TELLMAMA, 2024). Despite Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region being home to many Muslim communities, yet little representation of such marginal voices within research dissemination activity or civic spaces has been facilitated. It is also clear that there is a pressing need to address this challenge through research-informed public engagement activity.

‘Muslims in the North; a soundscape of stories untold’ tells the untold stories of the trailblazing success of three Bradfordian entrepreneurial Muslims across a number of sectors. The audio-visual work is underpinned by Dr Hussain’s (Hussain, 2024) LITE research which explores perceptions and attitudes towards cultural diversity in relation to the workplace 2.0 and wider society. This audio-visual soundscape builds on an earlier award-winning ‘Muslims in the North’ exhibition at Leeds City Museum; taking a story-telling approach and is funded by Leeds Horizon Institute in collaboration with Bradford City of Culture 2025.It is hoped that communities will be inspired by shared stories and further nurture a sense civic pride and aspiration.