Featuring silk painting workshops, compelling panel discussions, immersive theatre show rehearsals and a blockbuster musical celebration, MACFEST hosts a mesmerising programme of online and in-person events to delight visitors of all ages and tastes this spring.
On Sun 20 Apr, internationally renowned artist and writer Osman Yousefzada leads a deep dive into his poignant memoir, The Go Between, narrated through the eyes of his younger self and hailed by Stephen Fry as ‘one of the greatest childhood memoirs of our time’.
Osman’s eclectic literary and visual art oeuvre explores themes of rupture, migration and intergenerational tacit knowledge through various forms including sculpture, textiles, writing and installations.
Book your spot below.
Next Wednesday, Manchester Central Library welcomes visitors for an absorbing evening of candid discussion about immigration in the context of the city’s growing diversity. Featuring a cohort of esteemed speakers including Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA and Erinma Bell MBE DL JP alongside a selection of remarkable community leaders, the one-off talk explores how immigration enriches the region while engaging with the challenges of creating a successfully integrated society.
On Sat 26 Apr, Aysha heads to Bolton for another edition of her silk painting workshop, where guests from around the region can learn about the history of silk and utilise both painting methods and fabric applications to create their own pieces.
This workshop is beginner-friendly and suitable for children 7+ years of age ( accompanied by an adult if 7-11 years old).
Book your spot below.
Led by a renowned panel of accomplished Muslims in various fields, this lively and thought-provoking talk examines Islamophobia and negative portrayals of Islam in modern media, as the group share experiences and strategies for combating misleading coverage and promoting accurate, respectful recognition of Muslims in the press and beyond.
Hosted by Karlsruhe University of Education’s Interim English Professor and Chair of the English Department, Dr. Raphaelle Beecroft, four acclaimed women artists from Kabul will come together to showcase their painting exhibitions and discuss their lives as artists and female creatives living under Taliban rule.
Join Hanane el Hadioui for an inspirational celebration of the women in Morocco who are blazing a trail in sustainability within the food sector, with an online event exploring their contributions to environmental conservation, empowered communities and lasting social change.
On Fri 9 May, audiences can enjoy a script-in-hand rehearsal of Adam Kotwal’s new play, Egging, followed by a Q&A session with the creative team.
When Harris’ friends plan to egg him as part of a long-standing prank tradition the day before his wedding, he goes on the run. Unfortunately, he finds himself trapped with his neighbours, who relentlessly offer their unwanted relationship experiences and marital wisdom as his reservations about the wedding grow.
Returning for another year this June, the wildly popular Eid musical evening takes over Lowry with another song-filled spectacular starring a line-up of dazzling singers from aroun the North West.
This year’s performers include Moroccan Nasheed artist, singer and composer Hamza Bouzhar, and Pakistani singer Sajal Chaudhary.
Following the soaring success of its inaugural instalment last year, the second Muslim Arts Awards will showcase more spellbinding works by UK Muslim artists, with selected pieces in Calligraphy, Drawing, Painting and Photography set to feature in a special exhibition at the University of Salford in November.
The first round of submissions closes on Fri 30 May. Find out more and enter your submission below.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 17 Apr 2025
The esteemed calligraphy painter and artist Lord Richard MacLeod hosts a fascinating online celebration of the ancient art form on Sat 19 Apr.
Revered for designing the first ever Arabic-British script, Richard joins MACFEST to share his unique experiences and insights as a pioneer in contemporary calligraphy, while transporting guests on an entrancing journey through the interconnected realms of art, faith and identity.