"Using insights from James Hodkinson’s research into representations of Islam in German history and culture this project has created new spaces for cultural exchange between diverse communities across the UK, Ireland and Sweden. Through innovative encounter events and collaborative arts programmes it has built cross-community trust, facilitated new debate and empowered Muslim artists to challenge negative media representations of Islam. Through exhibitions, large-scale public lectures, workshops and schools teaching programmes the project has also challenged stereotypical perceptions of Muslims in the West, exposed and critiqued Islamophobia in the media, changed preconceptions about otherness and difference, and fostered practices of empathy, especially amongst non-Muslim populations."

The full Impact Case study relating to this project can only be published once submitted for REF scrutiny in 2020. Please also follow James Hodkinson's blog here for a reflective account of how the project has unfolded form his point of view.