Muslim Arts and Culture Fest is a “does exactly what is says on the tin” due to arrive in Manchester in January 2020. It’s open to everyone, regardless of denomination, and aims to bring communities together to promote social inclusion. Taking place over 16 days and at many different venues, it’s set to feature exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, presentations, and debates. The full calendar of events can be found on the Festival’s official website but below are just five of the best which focus on subjects creative and literary.
Maryam Golubeva, an expert in creative paper cutting, will help you to master this subtle skill. Attendees will hear about the history of the art form, learn to use manicure scissors in a creative way and have fun creating their own colourful art to take home. All are welcome at this creative, hands-on event.
Two Muslim writers, Maryam Hessavi and Usma Malik, will be giving readings of some of their recent works. Maryam is a poet and critic, whose poems and reviews appear in various publications. Usma is an academic specialising in narrative structures in contemporary writing. Both are alumna of the University of Manchester’s English Department.
Here, you can learn all about the history of Persian motifs and rosettes. The workshop will include a demonstration of how to draw, illuminate with 24 carat gold leaf, and paint a rosette. It is hosted by Ashfia Ashrif, a painter and student of traditional arts and architecture.
This event showcases the work of local poets of Pakistani, Bengali, Iranian and Somali heritage. The evening is introduced by Ivan Wadeson, the Executive Director of Manchester City of Literature; and is moderated by Francesca Bradley, the Arts Editor of the Mancunion campus newspaper. Contributors include Elmo Ali, Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Kamal Kaan, and Mahboobeh Rajabi.
Sat 11 Jan - Fri 31 Jan, Various Locations
www.macfest.org.uk
- Words:
- A. James Simpkin
- Published on:
- Sat 14 Dec 2019
This presentation celebrates the works of noted poets and writers from the ancient Middle East and Moorish Spain. Also under discussion will be two writers from the 20th century: Saadat Manto, from India/Pakistan; and the Algerian poet Leila Djabali. Readings will come courtesy of Yvonne Ridley, Aziz Isa Elkun, and Munira Alsusa.