Festival celebrates Syrian arts and culture
AN arts festival celebrating the culture, arts and people of Syria is exploring the country’s troubled history.
Exhibitions, films, theatre, live music, talks by writers, panel discussions and interactive art workshops are being held in various venues across Manchester until July 23.
Much of the art featured at the Celebrating Syria festival has been created by Syrians who fled the country as a result of the war and will reflect on the changes in Syrian arts and culture since the 2011 uprising.
The festival is being curated by Longsight-based Rethink Rebuild Society, a charity which works towards improving the lives of Syrians living in Manchester and the UK.
It will be the first Syrian arts and culture festival in the UK, showcasing the work and talent of artists from the country.
Dr Mustafa Alachkar, from the charity said the conflict has marked a turning point in the country’s history which has resulted in unprecedented changes to Syrian society and to Syrians’ cultural identity.
“These shifts are, in turn, having great impact on the arts and on culture both in Syria and amongst Syrian artists in exile,” he said. The news from Syria and the sadness, death, and misery that continues to pour out from the unrest must be juxtaposed against another vision of Syria – one that is filled with beauty, creativity and rebirth.
“This festival is a celebration of this hopeful, inspiring and imaginative face of Syria and the Syrian people and their rich contribution to the collective history of human expression.”
The Celebrating Syria festival started in early July and will take place across various venues in Manchester until July 23.
There is a small fee for entry to events but admission is free for refugees and asylum seekers of all nationalities.
For full listings visit: https:// celebratingsyria.org/ or https://www. facebook.com/syriafestival/