Ishraqah
Festival celebrating Middle-East and Arab Cultures
Friday 2 - Saturday 3 December 2011
One year on from the Tunisian protests that sparked the revolutionary wave that swept the Middle East, Ishraqah (meaning sunrise, or beginning of a new era), explores Arab and Middle Eastern cultures through a programme of Hiwar (meaning dialogue) and Fonoon (arts) events. Visitors can participate in or simply enjoy the programme of film, debate, discussion, music, crafts, dance, and food.
Friday 2 December, 6pm - 10.30pm
Admission: £5 (£4 concessions)
This is your opportunity to hear unheard and new insights about Arab and Middle Eastern cultures from Academics, and NAE’s ‘Creative in Residence’ from Alexandria, Egypt. Chaired by Dr. Zahera Harb this session will present unheard and new insights into Arab and Middle Eastern literature, arts and politics.
Speakers include Professor Patrick Williams (Memory for Forgetfulness: Mahmoud Darwish and Naji Al-Ali), Dr Anna Ball (Creativity, Defiance, Connection: Some Thoughts on Ahdaf Soueif, Suheir Hammad, and other Cultural Heroines), Dr Mike Berry (The Consequences of Lost Narratives: The Media and the Israel - Palestine Conflict') and Islam Muhammad, NAE’s creative in residence from Alexandria, Egypt (The role of Art/ Culture in the Egyptian Uprising).
There will also be a special screening of revolutionary film - 18 Days on the night! [www.18days-movie.com] Comprising news footage and YouTube clips, 18 Days provides an instant response to Egypt's miraculous revolution that overthrew dictator Hosni Mubarak. The film brings together 10 fictional narratives by 10 rising and established Egyptian filmmakers each recounting a different perspective of the 18 days that shook the nation. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session Chaired by Dr Zahera Harb and Islam Muhammad.
Saturday 3 December, 12.30pm - Midnight
Admission: FREE for all events on Saturday
This is a special all-day event where you will be able to savour the essence and flavours of Middle Eastern dance, music, food and arts through workshops, performances and a clubnight. The day will include master classes and performances from international artists and performers, including an ‘Introduction to belly dancing’ for beginners, craft-making, live music, film, exquisite Middle Eastern Cuisine and a chance to hit the dance floor with our special Arabic DJ!
Join us for a weekend of celebrations exploring Middle Eastern art and culture at New Art Exchange with your friends and family. Co-supported by University of Lincoln, College of Arts.
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FRIDAY 2 DECEMBERTalks, Screening and Q&A: Exploring Literature, Arts & Politics in the Middle EastFriday Admission: £5 / £4 (concessions) | Advance booking required |
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Chaired by Dr. Zahera Harb this session will present unheard and new insights into Arab and Middle Eastern literature, arts and politics. Topics and speakers include:
Memory for Forgetfulness: Mahmoud Darwish and Naji Al-Ali - Professor Patrick Williams introduces two very special figures from Palestinian culture: the poet Darwish and graphic artist Al-Ali.
Creativity, Defiance, Connection: Some Thoughts on Ahdaf Soueif, Suheir Hammad, and other Cultural Heroines - Dr Anna Ball discusses two of her ‘cultural heroines’: the Egyptian author and activist Soueif, and Palestinian-American slam poet Hammad, whose work has inspired her research into post-colonial feminist expression in the Middle East.
The Consequences of Lost Narratives: The Media and the Israel - Palestine Conflict with Dr Mike Berry
The Role of Art / Culture in the Egyptian Uprising by Islam Muhammad, NAE’s Creative in Residence from Alexandria, Egypt
From 6pm, Performance Space |
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18 Days (2011) Film screening and Q&A Session [120 minutes]
Comprising news footage and YouTube clips, 18 Days provides an instant response to Egypt's miraculous revolution that overthrew Dictator Hosni Mubarak. The film brings together 10 fictional narratives by 10 rising and established Egyptian filmmakers each recounting a different perspective of the 18 days that shook the nation. www.18days-movie.com
Friday 2 December, 8pm
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Arts & Crafts Demonstrations
Enjoy and get involved with crafts demonstrations by contemporary jewellery designer Tanvi Kant and Artist Samiah Haleem. Inspired by Persian crafts and Arabic script writing, visitors can learn about these fascinating art forms and creatively contribute to the artist’s craft installations that will grow over the course of the day. There is also an opportunity to get ethnic henna tattoos from our Henna Artist Neetha Seth.
12 - 6pm, Main Gallery |
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Make and Take-away
Two family friendly workshops where participants can have fun with mosaic making and glass painting. Learn about these traditional Middle Eastern techniques and take away your own unique artwork to brighten your home.
12pm - 2pm Mosaic Coasters with Julie Vernon 3pm - 5pm Glass Painting with Satta Hashem
From 12pm, Learning Room |
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Short Documentary Films from the Middle East
A selection of films from the International Community Films Festival followed by a group discussion:
3 / 4 / 5 These films have been made available courtesy of ZaLab - docs & more: zalab.tv
12pm - 2pm, Performance Space |
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Live Music: Kuma Lalu
Enjoy two 45 min sets by Kuma Lalu. This critically acclaimed, locally based music group will play music from North Africa, the Middle East and Central Europe featuring violin, double bass, tabla, accordion, soprano sax and percussion!
1pm & 2.15pm, Main Gallery |
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Talk and Discussion: Architecture, Culture and Form
"With the political reform all over the Middle East, how can architecture play a fundamental role in shaping the future and the path to change within these countries?" Join Dr Amira Elnokaly, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Lincoln, for a session exploring the influence of vernacular and contemporary architecture on the understanding of a nation, a region and its people.
2.30pm - 4.30pm, Performance Space |
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The Gaza Monologues: Yard Theatre Group Performance
YARD Theatre Company (YTC) have been working together to create amazing, ground-breaking pieces of work since 2008. Since then, they have tackled hard hitting subjects from mass bullying to global slavery, and most recently, the war in Palestine. Never failing to entertain and connect with the audience, YTC endeavors to push boundaries and challenge perceptions of theatre practice by incorporating music, dance, art with physical theatre.
3:30pm - 4pm, Main Gallery |
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Belly Dance Workshopsby Pure Belly Dance
5pm - 5.30pm Shimmy Kids - Children upto 11 yrs old 6pm - 6.30pm Discover Your Diva - Ladies from 12 yrs onwards
100 Years of Belly Dance: Professional PerformanceThis performance will take you through the history of belly dance, exploring a range of dance styles from classical to folklore and modern. Performed by belly dance artist Patricia and students from the Pure Belly Dance School, www.purebellydance.co.uk.
7pm - 7.30pm, Performance Space |
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Club Night with DJ FUNKY EAST
Join us til late for drinks and tunes from the UK's number one Middle Eastern DJ, DJ Funky East. Originally from Palestine, DJ Funky East has been influenced by the diverse music and melodies of the Middle East which he blends with his passion for Western beats. www.funkyeast.co.uk.
8pm - Midnight, Cafe Lounge and Main GalleryAdmission: FREE |
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