Co-founder of Kiota Bristol, Shagufta K Iqbal is an award-winning writer, workshop facilitator and Tedx Speaker. One of Asiana Magazine's favourite British Asian poets, she has been described by gal-dem as a poet whose work ‘leaves you validated but aching – her narratives are important, heart-wrenching and relatable.’
Ayan Cilmi works in the visual arts and is a co-founder of Dhaqan Collective - a feminist art collective of Somali women. Ayan is also the board member of Encounters Film Festival and wrote, produced, and directed her first short film, The Tongue I Never Quite Knew. Ayan's work strives to translate the feeling of isolation that is embedded in a dual culture that is invisible to those that sit outside of it; Between that of the nation and that which is routinely othered.
