About

The Islamic Art and Material Culture Collaborative (IAMCC), is a research network based in Toronto that brings together the capacities and resources of the University of Toronto (UofT), the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and the Aga Khan Museum (AKM).

The IAMCC recognizes that the City of Toronto offers a rare opportunity to create a North American centre of study on Islamic art and material culture that can also reflect back on the field the unique political, social, and cultural history of the city’s diverse and multicultural landscape. The IAMCC will create an inclusive space for researchers, curators, and students to combine knowledge production and outreach facilities to create innovative cultural outputs.

Programs and Activities

The IAMCC’s programming consists of:

  • Fellowship Program
    The Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for graduate students (of select programs at UofT) to work under the supervision of museum curators, collections managers and/or other museum staff to gain experience in collections and exhibition development and interpretation at two of Toronto’s world class cultural institutions — The Aga Khan Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum. The Program additionally provides opportunities for more research-based experience for graduate students to work under the supervision of university faculty to support advanced research at one of Canada’s premier institutions of learning — the University of Toronto. The internship program provides graduate students a unique experience in the city of Toronto, integrating museum curation and development with research and innovation in an increasingly global conversation on art and aesthetics.
  • Research Workshops & Seminars
    IAMCC research workshops and seminars support IAMCC affiliated faculty, curators, students, and participants to discuss and explore innovative and critical areas of research in the broad field of Islamic art and material culture.
  • Annual Public Lecture
    The IAMCC hosts an annual public lecture at the ROM and AKM, as well as a master class to students and faculty at UofT.

The Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) serves as administrative headquarters for the IAMCC, while planning and direction is provided by the IAMCC Co-Chairs.

Design Concept

The design concept is inspired by the iconic Islamic motif — the Khatam (8 pointed star). It stands as a symbol of science, interconnectedness, and faith in the ultimate harmony of Creation. In this way, the Khatam represents the highest virtues in Islamic culture: learning, community, faith, and love of beauty.

Islamic Art

The motif duplicated represents the two pillars of the collaboration — Islamic Art & Material Culture.

Material Culture

When the two shapes are connected together, the intersection creates an icon that represents Toronto, the city that powers the IAMCC.

Design Credits
Design: Mustaali Raj
Web Development: Jayme Cochrane
Strategy, Copywriting: Zaid Khan