Taslim is a change maker that utilizes arts and culture as a vehicle to educate communities on the strengths of embracing diversity in all aspects of society. She is a multi disciplinary artist that uses various medias to explore the conversation of inclusivity and identity. She is known for her work in curating thought-provoking exhibitions showcasing the work of immigrants and female Muslim artists in response to Xenophobia and Islamophobia.
Her 2016 exhibition at the Newton Cultural Centre in Surrey looked at the commonalities that exist between Canadian female Muslim artists and Canadian values. In 2017 her work with the City of Burnaby looked at Migration as a natural phenomenon, in the midst of the Syrian refugee crisis. She is currently working on a coming-of-age memoir that looks at how gender bias is supported through cultural conditioning, the impact of colonialism on identity, and generational trauma.
“Taslim Samji has been a member of the Burnaby Art Gallery Advisory Committee since 2018. Aside from her role as an ambassador for the Burnaby Art Gallery (BAG) she serves on the Public Art Advisory Committee and the Acquisitions Committee. Taslim is a strong advocate for the inclusion of BIPOC artists in the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection and the Public Art Collection.”
– Ellen van Eijnsbergen; Burnaby Art Gallery Director/Curator
Taslim has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, with a major in Asian Studies, Marketing diploma from BCIT and studied Fine Arts at Emily Carr University of Arts & Design. She has received much press over the years for her work, including several awards. In 2017 she received her first international award – Women of the Decade in Arts and Leadership presented by the Women Economic Forum in Delhi, India.
Born in Tanzania, with roots from India, she grew up in Vancouver and considers Canada her home. Taslim identifies as a global citizen.