After an incredible response last year to the series of Inter-Community talks, Intercultured are back with even more in store for 2021. A full festival programme is now live and with a whole 10 days of arts, culture, workshops and conversations, there is something for everyone and it is all FREE!
Mussarat said:
“Last year we piloted the festival as we felt the communities needed a voice during the Pandemic, this year we want to show the rich diversity of heritage, culture and communities in which we live, work and share our lives. All our events are community led by local artists, settled communities and organisations.
Bradford has a rich history of migration and sanctuary and we wanted to capitalise on this history and celebrate how it has influenced our Bradford community, changed peoples lives and how much people love Bradford’s diversity.”
The festival takes place at venues across the city and some events will be online. Kala Sangam Arts Centre will be hosting a world class music concert from headline act Rafiki Jazz on Saturday 23 October. This group of star musicians and singers from Africa, India, the Middle East, South America and Europe are led by inspirational Sufi soul singer Sarah Yaseen, for an evening of divine, absorbing and borderless music. On 28 October I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik an autobiographical show by Bobak Champion, Bristolian, Iranian and Hip-Hop head can also be seen at Kala Sangam – part live music, part dance, part spoken word with a healthy dose of clowning.
Throughout the festival an exhibition of work created by local Bradfordians, titled ‘Humanising’ will run from the 20th October, as a booklet from all venues. Showing powerful artwork created by refugees, asylum seekers, members of the Deaf Women’s Society, LGBTQI and youth communities, the exhibition highlights the positive contributions to society such diverse groups have and continue to make.
There are dance classes throughout the festival to get your body moving (no matter your age!) in Belly dancing, Breakdancing, African and World Fusion dance from top dance professionals including Balbir Singh Dance Company.
Four cooking workshops are on offer, with the chance to learn dishes from across the world including Syrian sweets, Iraqi and Caribbean traditional dishes. Or why not learn the art of Arabic Calligraphy? Complete beginners are welcome at all the creative workshops, with Digital Skills, Poetry and Film Making all on offer between 20th and 30th October.
For anyone with children, the Bradford Family Fun Day from 12pm – 5pm on Friday 29th October is not to be missed, or if you are closer to Keighley, this year you can join in at the Airedale shopping centre on Saturday 30th October, 12-4pm with a whole host of creative workshops suitable for all the family to take part in.
If poetry and spoken word is what lights you up, then there is a local poetry night with poet Siobhan Mac Mahon on 27th October showcasing local talent and an evening of transnational poetry online on 30th October with a stellar international line up for ‘Found In Translation’ a unique chance to hear inspirational poets from across the globe.
Inspirational and informative talks are dotted throughout the programme, taking place both in person and online. The line up includes a Young Peoples Panel, Palestinian activist live steam and information for sanctuary seeking communities including the legal process for those seeking sanctuary and how best to access health care services.
Drop-ins are available at some events, but places are limited, so booking tickets is advised! Full information can be found at facebook.com/InterculturedFestival and tickets can be booked online at: interculturedfestival.eventbrite.com
Intercultured Festival is supported and funded by Arts Council England, The Bradford Bid, The Leap, Platforma, Bradford City Council, Bradford Refugee Forum, Spin Arts and venues Common Space (Common Wealth Theatre), Kala Sangam Arts Centre and Bradford Deaf Community Association.
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While restrictions have been eased, please remember to follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines in order to enjoy these events in a safe and responsible manner.
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