Leading the Change for Social Transformation through Art and Advocacy
Dr. Javeria Khadija Shah is a multifaceted individual, describing herself as a Postcolonial Londoner. Her identity blends her British heritage with diverse cultural origins. This amalgamation has become the foundation of her life’s journey, marked by a rich array of experiences and learnings encompassing race, education, socio-economic status, gender, religion, and cultural diversity.
Her profound experiential learning journey is a reflection of navigating through various aspects of her identity. Through these experiences, she has gleaned insights into societal barriers and developed strategies to overcome them. This journey of self-discovery has been instrumental in shaping her perspective on the world, emphasizing the power of art and dialogue in effecting positive social change.
At the heart of her accomplishments lies the Social Performance Network, a groundbreaking initiative that took flight following the grand launch at the renowned TATE Exchange London in 2019. Dr. Shah laid the foundation for this visionary project in 2018, inspired by her leadership and organization of the “Performing Race” conference held at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London. This innovative venture was born from a confluence of art, research, teaching, and activism. Its primary objective revolves around the centralization of individual voices and experiences to unravel the intricacies of complex social phenomena, particularly focusing on identity, notably race.
Thus far, the Network has actively participated in a multitude of events throughout the UK. In 2020, it unveiled its consultancy services, with a focused specialization in anti-racism and inclusion. Under the guiding mission of “research and practice,” the Social Performance Network endeavors to curate art and foster dialogues on the intricacies of social performance. This collective effort aims to facilitate comprehensive insights into our social world and invites a reimagining of our roles within it.
Dr. Shah’s brainchild, the Social Performance Network, has provided tailored inclusion training to 30+ cross-sector clients. Their high-quality, bespoke services cater to diverse needs. Organizations seeking inclusive solutions can connect for a complimentary consultation by emailing contact@social-performance.academy. Dr. Shah’s commitment to fostering inclusivity resonates through the Network’s expert consultancy and training services.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shah envisions the future trajectory of the Social Performance Network. She aspires for the Network to transcend geographical boundaries and expand its footprint beyond the UK. Her vision encompasses a broader scope, aiming to leverage scholarship and artistic interventions on a global scale. Her goal is to champion social equity and inclusivity on an international platform, creating a global impact that resonates with diverse communities worldwide.
Despite facing challenges stemming from the absence of external funding. “While the lack of external funding provides autonomy for us to carry out our work in alignment with our ethos and value systems, it also presents challenges and barriers in terms of sustenance,” she explains. But, under her leadership and guidance combined with hard work, the Network has persevered, embodying the essence of dedication and resilience. Overcoming these hurdles, the Network diversified its approach, establishing a traditional business arm to support its non-profit initiatives, including the pioneering De-socializing Art series. This initiative provides a platform for global majority artists, empowering their voices and fostering inclusivity in the art world.
Dr. Shah’s passion for social justice, forged by her personal experiences as a Global Majority Muslim Woman maneuvering through sometimes hostile spaces, serves as a guiding light. Her untiring dedication drives her vision of a society that transcends hierarchical divisions based on status, race, gender, or any societal norms that deviate from inclusivity and equity. In this regard, Dr. Shah expresses, “I strive to see a society in which all have a sense of belonging, respect, and dignity.”
Dr. Shah fervently advocates for authenticity and values-driven actions, believing in the power of making a difference, no matter how small the effort may seem. She shares, “I believe in being the tiger. If there are things that are important to you, values that you hold close that you know help make the world a better place, then I would say, ‘do it!'”
She emphasizes the significance of recognizing the value of authenticity, an integral part of her evolution. “Part of my evolution has been to recognize the value of authenticity. So, I strive to show up as my most authentic self in all aspects of my life, work or personal.” For Dr. Shah, this authenticity translates into holistic representation, where her engagements, commitments, and interests reflect her personal values, aligning seamlessly with her beliefs and principles.
Reflecting on the impact of her work with the Social Performance Network, she shares insightfully, “The work I do via the Social Performance Network won’t always bring material fruition or fast returns, but it is work that meaningfully contributes towards social change and that brings its own rewards.”
Dr. Shah draws profound inspiration from her Sufi Muslim beliefs, emphasizing their core principle of centralizing humanity in all interactions. This fundamental belief underscores her approach to life, work, and advocacy, permeating her endeavors with compassion and inclusivity.
Additionally, she finds inspiration in the impactful contributions of social activists, educators, and public figures who have dedicated themselves to promoting messages of social equity. Dr. Shah admires their commitment to fostering inclusive societies and aims to carry forth their legacy through her work.
Dr. Shah’s professional journey has been marked by a deliberate consolidation of her research, practice, and artistic endeavors into impactful scholarly and public outputs. Her diverse publications span a wide array of topics, delving into educational policy percolation, the shaping of young people’s learning identities, and the contemporary socio-historical dynamics of global majority communities within British contexts.
Her dedication and contributions to societal betterment have garnered prestigious recognitions. In 2022, she received a profound honor with a nomination for the British National Diversity Award in the category of Positive Role Model for Race/Religion/Faith.
Further solidifying her exemplary contributions, Dr. Shah is set to receive the Education 2.0 Global Educational Leadership Award in Dubai in February 2024. This esteemed award acknowledges her outstanding leadership and transformative impact in the realm of education on a global scale.
Dr. Shah embodies leadership by recognizing and harnessing the strengths within her team, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals to achieve their utmost potential. Her leadership style centers on uplifting the collective by employing a decentralizing yet anchoring approach, ensuring both the team’s collective strengths and areas requiring targeted support are acknowledged and addressed.
At the core of her leadership philosophy is a humanizing approach that prioritizes creating an environment where every team member feels valued, heard, seen and fosters a profound sense of belonging.
Dr. Javeria Khadija Shah’s journey symbolizes fortitude, empathy, and commitment to shaping a world where every conversation, artistic endeavor, and action contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.
