The award-winning ‘Machine Boys’ (2024), has been acquired by The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, through the Contemporary Art Society’s 2026 Collections Fund at Frieze Art Fair.
 
A significant acquisition which sees the work proudly placed in a British Institution with a strong collection. With thanks to the Contemporary Art Society, The Whitworth Art Gallery and Sadie Coles HQ, London.

Karimah Ashadu has been awarded the 2026 Philipp Otto Runge Foundation Fellowship. The grant will support the presentation of the work MUSCLE (2025) in the group exhibition “BUT I | WORLD | I SEE | YOU” opening on 4 June 2026 at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, curated by Dr. Corinne Diserens.

The Fellowship recognises Ashadu’s significant contribution to contemporary moving image practice and supports the public presentation of her work to an international audience.

The University of the Arts London has awarded Karimah Ashadu an Honorary Doctorate.

An exceptional achievement received alongside other notable awardees such as The Honourable Daphne Guinness, Ashadu extends her gratitude and appreciation to her alma mater.

Camden Art Centre has announced a newly commissioned audio work by Tabitha Thorlu Bangura accompanying “Tendered”. Composed from sonic fragments of MUSCLE, the audio work is presented via NTS Radio and Camden Art Audio. 

Karimah Ashadu’s new film “MUSCLE” (2025) will screen at Berlinale Forum Expanded on Sunday February 15th for its festival premiere. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director.

Save the date
Premiere
Sunday February 15, 8:30 PM
Kino Betonhalle at Silent Green, Berlin

2nd Screening
Monday February 16th, 6:15PM
Kino Betonhalle at Silent Green, Berlin

“Machine Boys” by Karimah Ashadu has been nominated in the Best Short Film category for the Preis der deutschen Filmkritik 2025, marking an important recognition of her work within contemporary cinema.

The award ceremony will take place on February 15th at the Akademie der Künste in Berlin, Germany.