Dozens of artists, musicians, and performers are coming together to take part in the fourth annual Journeys Festival International. This multi-city event is a celebration of the artistic talents of people from refugee and asylum seeker communities. Beginning this Friday, and lasting 10 whole days, it features a diverse range of arts events all across Manchester. There will be performances, pop-up galleries, digital art exhibitions and concerts. Many of these, such as the play ‘Pizza Shop Heroes’ at HOME and the event’s various shows and installations, are aimed more at adults. However, below are three of the best events that the whole family can enjoy.
Taking place on Sat 05 Oct, this multi-faceted event lets visitors experience arts activities at community venues throughout the area. At Forum Library, Wythenshawe, there is a ‘Zine’ making workshop. Here, visitors will explore drawing, graphics, text, and collage to make their own mini magazine about a personal journey that they or their family has been on. You can learn about the art of Arabic calligraphy at North City Library, and even have a go yourself under expert tuition. Join writer Mandla Rae for a drop-in letter writing workshop in Longsight, where kids can get expert direction on writing a special letter to a loved one or family member.
This day of live entertainment in Cathedral Gardens features talented artists from around the world who now call Manchester home. It features a line-up of music, spoken word, performance, dance, and food. Musical standouts include the Women’s Unity Choir, Manchester International Roots Orchestra, and a showcase of traditional Gambian Kora. A Sanctuary Kitchen will present food from many different cultures. Meals are offered on a pay-what-you-feel basis, and all money raised will go to charity. You can also take part in the art installation The Channel and send a message to people detained in immigration centres. Please see the link below for event times.
Sat 12 Oct, Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, Manchester, M4 3BG, 12pm – 5.30pm, FREE entry
- Words:
- A. James Simpkin
- Published on:
- Thu 3 Oct 2019
An inspiring collection of books, which explore the experiences of people forced to flee their home and seek sanctuary in other countries, is coming your way. You can flick through award-winning novels, illustrated children’s books, short stories and poems suitable for all ages. This mobile collection will be winding its way to the following libraries over the course of the festival: Central, North City, Wythenshawe Forum, and Longsight. The festival organisers have also teamed up with volunteers to present some of these books at storytelling sessions. Please contact the libraries directly for more details.