Asma Arshad Mahmood Wins QE Diamond Jubilee Medal!

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• on January 17, 2013
• in Art and Community
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Treks and Trails: In Memory of Letters Lost

Asma Arshad Mahmood is a visual artist, art activist and much more.  

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she began her artistic career in Bogota, Colombia, where she held her first professional exhibition in 1991.  She's come a long way since then, receiving a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from York University and starting her own company, Cre8iv80 Studio, while serving as director and chair for as many museums and festivals as she can handle, including the South Asian Visual Arts Centre, Mississauga Arts Council, and Art City.  

Oh, she's also the owner and Artistic Director of Promenade Gallery in Mississauga.

Asma is a co founder of the MOSAIC festival and has served as Festival director for 6 years. Attracting 70,000 visitors annually, the MOSAIC South Asian Heritage Festival of Mississauga is now the largest event of its kind in North America.  The festival is packed visual arts, film and musical performances by the likes of Shafqat Armanat Ali, Red Baraat and Stereo Nation.

Asma has a robust artistic practice, engaging in painting, mixed media, pottery, and installation, she has also curated a number of important shows in both Canada and around the world. Recently she represented Canada at the Goteborg International Arts Biennial in Sweden. Her art work has been exhibited in major arts institutions in Toronto like the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum and Harbourfront Centre. 

Asma (left) is the owner of Promenade Gallery in Mississauga

Her company Cre8iv80 Studio has worked extensively with museums, art galleries and various public events to create arts related projects including a 7 year long contract with CNE.

Also deemed an activist, Asma's Promenade Gallery is located in a lacklustre Lakeshore strip mall where she hopes she can provide a burst of life to the community with fresh energy and culture through art exhibition and more.

Her profile was included in one of MyBindi's first editions of visual arts events, where she was recognized for not only her art, but her ability to rise in her field of interest. Since then, Asma has come a long way and MyBindi is pleased to congratulate her on receiving the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal this year.

The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal honors Canadians significant contributions and achievements.

Keep up the great work, Asma!