Geometry in Bamboo: Community Build

Join Adam Williamson in this community-based event to create a public art installation inspired by geometric patterns in Islamic art. The structure made out of bamboo will take centre stage at Cambridge Central mosque’s atrium and will be on display for a week. This is a free event and will run across the whole day, accepting walk-ins. Feel free to drop in at any time that suits you. Supported by The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO), a specialised art school in Fujairah, UAE. About Adam Williamson Adam Williamson is an award-winning calligrapher and sculptor whose practice encompasses geometry, carving, and pattern-making, and whose work has been exhibited and commissioned internationally. Trained in calligraphy, geometric design, and stone and wood carving, his work is grounded in the study of proportion, tessellation, and the underlying principles that shape natural and architectural forms. Through hands-on craftsmanship, his practice seeks to articulate universal patterns found in nature and culture, expressed through carefully balanced structures and finely resolved surfaces. About The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO) The School of Calligraphy & Ornamentation (SOCO), established in 2023 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, is a government institution dedicated to preserving, teaching, and advancing the traditional arts of the Islamic manuscript. Based in Fujairah, UAE, SOCO offers specialized educational programs in Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometric and botanical ornamentation, miniature painting, illumination, gilding, and bookbinding. Through workshops, long-term courses, exhibitions, and cultural collaborations, the School aims to preserve traditional artistic knowledge, nurture emerging talent, and promote the appreciation of Islamic arts among local and international audiences. About The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts runs from 19 to 29 November 2026, bringing performances, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to Cambridge's historic colleges, museums, and cultural spaces. Open to everyone, the festival celebrates the beauty and diversity of Islamic arts, and, fifty years on from the landmark 1976 World of Islam Festival, carries that spirit into our own time. Find out more at cfia.co.uk.