Global Arab Network | Liverpool celebrates the diversity of Arab culture

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Liverpool celebrates the diversity of Arab culture

Global Arab Network - - Maha Karim

Wednesday, 17 June 2009 00:44

The sights, sounds and fashions of the Arab world have been distilled into a major three day festival which begins on July 17 with ‘Voyage to Arabia’ in front of Liverpool’s famous Liver buildings.

This colourful ferry ride along the Mersey led by elders of the Arab community features music and dance and heralds an exciting weekend of exhibitions, performances and activities celebrating Arab culture.

Music is prominent throughout the Arabic Weekender ranging from the hip hop beats of Palestinian group Ramallah Underground (Friday 17, 8pm, the Bluecoat) to a fantastic double bill at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (Saturday 18, 7.30pm) featuring full sets from acclaimed Syrian musician, Abdullah Chhadeh and Anglo-Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas.

Promising to be one of the Weekender’s highlights, Atlas and The Mazeeka Ensemble combine electronic beats with North African and Arabic music to produce “a seamless sensation of high creativity…” (BBC Music). Chhadeh’s instrumental trio Syriana perform the Qanun, electric guitar and double bass with "...spellbinding dexterity..." (The Guardian).

The centrepiece of The Arabic Weekender is the Family Day (Saturday 18, 12 – 5pm) taking place throughout the Bluecoat building and gardens. This is a multi art form event featuring live music, storytelling, workshops, stalls and food for Arab and non Arab audiences of all ages.

The Family Day is headlined by Algerian quartet El Andaluz fusing classical Arabic rhythms with Andalusian music. Vocalist Cheb Nacim performs traditional Rai spiced with flamenco, salsa and rumba. Don’t forget to look out for Shafeek, a master of the Egyptian whirling dervish.

To coincide with the Arabic Weekender at the Bluecoat, Eat and Drink will have a selection of authentic Arabic dishes available for this special weekend. Please ask staff at Espresso or Upstairs at the Bluecoat for more information.

The host of activities include special film screenings at FACT; a unique opportunity to view a special collection of Palestinian ceramics (29 June – 31 July, World Museum Liverpool); and special readings and discussion with Iraqi short story writer Hassan Blasim accompanied by Lebanese poet Joumana Haddad (Sunday 19, 1pm, the Bluecoat).

There’s even a Cultural Clothes Show displaying clothes from all corners of the Arab world (Sunday 19, 12.30 - 4pm, Art and Design Academy Liverpool John Moores University) and a chance to learn what was in vogue in ancient Egypt including a hands-on demonstration of how to wear a wrap-around dress and a woven linen belt known as the Rameses Girdle (Sunday 19, 12.30, World Museum Liverpool).

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival has been shortlisted for the Arab-British Culture and Society Award 2009, a prestigious honour organised by the Arab-British Centre. The Award recognises outstanding contributions to the British public's understanding of the life, society and culture of the Arab people.

Key funding for LAAF 2009-2011 has been sourced from Liverpool City Council (Liverpool Arts and Cultural Investment Programme) and Arts Council England North West (Grants for the Arts Programme).

Festival Manager Ngozi Ikoku said: “The Arabic Weekender is open to anyone with an interest in art or Arab culture and we are proud that we’ve been able to deliver such a rich series of events for everyone to enjoy. The Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival is currently busy on organisational development so that it can return next year as not only the most vibrant celebration of Arab culture in the UK but the biggest in Europe.”

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival (LAAF) and the Bluecoat
Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival is now in its eighth successive year. The event was founded by Liverpool Arabic Centre and the Bluecoat in 1998 and the first festival took place in 2002. Over the years the festival has grown to involve more partners from the city’s arts and Arabic communities. Official partners include FACT, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and National Museums Liverpool. LAAF remains a key part of the Bluecoat’s activities and reflects the diverse nature of its programme.

The Liverpool Arabic Centre (LAC)
LAC is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee based in the Toxteth area of Liverpool. The LAC works alongside the Yemeni and Arabic speaking communities and those interested in Arabic culture and language in the Liverpool area. Through the facilitation and provision of community development and activity their mission is to advocate the social and economic wellbeing, improve the health and advance the education of the Yemeni/Arabic community whilst strengthening the awareness of the community within wider society through the celebration and promotion of all aspects of Arabic history, language, cultural heritage and identity.

Global Arab Network

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