The design used for the Ramadan Festival is a refreshing combination of Islamic ornamental art and the tradition of Dutch design.

 

When visual communication is aimed at ethnic target groups, using design elements from their ‘own’ culture often produces an over-simplified, clichéd and outmoded result. The aim of the designs used for the Ramadan Festival was to integrate elements of Islamic design with modern, western design and thus create something entirely new. The Marhaba house style was developed with the same idea in mind.

 

By working in close collaboration with Mexit and other specialists in the field of intercultural management, Koeweiden Postma aimed to contribute towards integration and better communication with ethnic target groups.

 

Since 2005, the Ramadan Festival has used the Muslim fasting month as an opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims to get together. People from different backgrounds get to know each other better during the joint Iftars (evening fast-breaking meals), lectures, discussions, performances and parties.