Andrew Shaylor

With more than 150 published works, Eland Publishing reflects a worldly eclecticism, from reprints and re-releases of biographies to letters and even comic novels. The London based publishing house has for 40 years brought new life to travel writing.

At once playful and disciplined, Hatiq Mohammed—“Teakster”—uses traditional Islamic motifs, Arabic calligraffiti and deep colors to “join communities together” in public projects of collaborative creativity that energize cultural dialog.

Not far from London, newly inaugurated walking routes trace some of the first Islamic patronages and cultural contributions to the UK. The trails start at the country’s first purpose-built mosque and lead to two cemeteries—one dedicated to nearly forgotten Muslim veterans and the other the resting place of several dozen British Muslims, more than a few of them leaders in their fields. While the sites owe their origins to a 19th-century linguist, the trails have come about through collaborations among a local journalist, the London-based nonprofit Everyday Muslim and the town of Woking. All have teamed up so visitors can walk the paths of stories that hold “the potential to change Britain’s popular historical narrative.”

Independent. Confident. Inclusive. Three watchwords for art collector and social-media activist Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, whose Barjeel Foundation is showing how much Arab modern art has to say.

London’s biennial summer festival of Arab culture, Shubbak (“Window” in Arabic), staged 80 events with 150 artists, writers, dramatists—and musicians, all chosen for fusion-oriented creativity. We take in six outstanding new sounds.