Adil Iqbal

Adil Iqbal is a Scottish-Pakistani cultural practitioner with a Textile Design and Anthropology background. He utilises collaborative practice, narrative art, and digital media to bridge Western and indigenous craft cultures. Iqbal received the Dewar Art Award for his project ‘Twilling Tweeds,’ which connected Scottish and Chitrali cultures via weaving and hand embroidery. In addition, he has led art workshops exploring cultural similarities between Scotland and Pakistan, employing narrative discussions, life drawings, and digital art mediums.

With over a decade-long engagement with Chitral Valley craft communities, his work spans cultural heritage, sustainable design practices, community, and business development. His unique Scottish-Pakistani identity, professional expertise in textile design, and anthropological training allow him to foster cross-cultural dialogues. His passion lies in breaking down cultural barriers and celebrating the common threads connecting traditions.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Adil Iqbal studied Textile Design at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh before working in the industry all over Europe. Building on his interdisciplinary background he successfully completed a Master’s degree in Anthropology, Art and Perception in 2016 from the University of St Andrews. Adil’s work has been exhibited internationally at venues such as the Royal Scottish Academy, Patrick Geddes Centre at Riddle’s Court, The Nomad Tent in Edinburgh, The Nomad Arts Gallery (Islamabad), An Lanntair (Stornoway), and Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Culture Centre (Kuwait).

Adil Iqbal, Weaving Songs, detail 2012