To create a dynamic connection between traditional and contemporary Arab art forms. To explore and understand the culture of the Arab world. These are just some of the stated goals of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, an event that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the culture and creativity of different peoples. We’ll discuss the details further at liverpoolski.
Format and Objectives
According to its official website, this cultural event was founded in 1998. This annual festival is the longest-running celebration of Arab arts in the UK. The event’s format showcases the talents of the best British and international Arab artists across various art forms, revealing their distinctly Arab flair. This helps to significantly enhance the appreciation of the Arab people and their rich culture.
Preparations can take place all year round. Arab artists, such as painters and singers, collaborate with Liverpool’s institutions to create an exciting cultural programme that local audiences and city visitors can then enjoy over a period of 10 days.
The Arab Arts Festival was organised by the Liverpool Arab Centre and the Bluecoat (a centre for various cultural events like exhibitions and concerts). This vibrant cultural celebration is also supported by Liverpool City Council, which helps the city achieve some of its strategic goals. Funding is also provided by Arts Council England.
Events
But what exactly can you see here? Let’s highlight six categories.
- Music.
- Dance.
- Theatre.
- Film.
- Talks and Debates.
- Family Exhibitions and Events.
When it comes to music, local DJs are usually responsible for the soundtrack. A great deal of attention is typically given to genres like jazz. However, the programme is not limited to this and is multifaceted and diverse. Audiences can watch films, see various performances, discover examples of Arab literature, listen to spoken word, and more.
The term “spoken word” may require a little explanation. In Arab culture, storytelling holds great significance. There is even a special term, “hakawati,” which refers to a person who can captivate listeners with their narrative.
For example, in 2023, visitors were invited to explore how artists have been shaped by the stories they have heard. This was explained by those who curated the cultural programme. The audience could gain a better understanding of how contemporary cultural figures create their own stories through theatre, song, dance, literature, visual art, or performance. All of this is also intended to show the artist’s connection to their Arab identity.
History
When the organisers first conceived of such a programme in 1998, it turned out that many people loved the idea. As a result, several partners joined the festival, including the Unity Theatre, the Bluecoat, FACT, Picturehouse at FACT, community organisations, artists, museums, and the city’s Philharmonic.
However, the first festival took place in 2002 and has been held annually ever since. Interestingly, there are no other similar events held on a regular basis anywhere else in England or even the whole of Great Britain. All this time, non-Arab people from Liverpool and other cities have been able to watch Arab artists and learn more about this culture and its traditions.
The first award came in 2010. The groundwork for this was laid in 2009 when the festival was shortlisted. A year later, the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival received the “Culture and Society Award” from the British Arab Centre. The essence of the award is to recognise outstanding contributions to the British public’s knowledge and understanding of the culture of the diverse Arab world. The event usually takes place in July in various parts of the city.