Why Middle Eastern modern art was set to take centre stage at the British Museum
Important works from North Africa and the Middle East were scheduled to go on display to showcase the full range of the region's talent
The Accident. Ink on paper, 2013. Funded by Maryam and Edward Eisler
Credit: Nicky Nodjoumi
The British Museum was due to open an exhibition next week celebrating its collection of modern and contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa: some 700 examples by more than 300 artists, nearly all acquired in the last 10 years. Considering there has been no budget for acquisitions from the museum's central funds, this is a remarkable feat.