The UK’s premier annual Arab Arts Festival announces first wave of acts for 14th festival.

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) returns from 6 – 14 June 2015, bringing another thrilling celebration of Arab culture to venues across the city.

This year’s LAAF showcases the richness of Arab culture through a packed programme of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and special events. Organisers have revealed that, for the first time, this summer’s festival explores an overarching theme ‘Shaping Change: A work in progress’. The theme brings a welcome focus to how Arab communities worldwide are responding to contemporary changes from within.

LAAF chairman Taher Qassim said: “Liverpool Arab Arts Festival remains the premier UK annual celebration of Arab culture. It attracts audiences from across the UK and beyond, whilst remaining firmly rooted in the local communities from which the festival was born, 14 years ago. The programme mixes international artists, home-grown talent, established names and emerging acts.

 

“As always, this year’s programme showcases the most joyful and celebratory aspects of Arab culture, without shying away from challenging subject matter. Audiences will see a strong focus on inclusion, as the programme gives a platform to voices from all walks of life.”

 

While LAAF fans will have to wait for the full programme to be announced, organisers have revealed a taste of what is to come, including the return of some firm favourites.

The ever-popular LAAF Family Day makes its way back to Sefton Park Palm House on Sunday 7 June, with music, dance, food, and a range of goods and books on sale, whilst The Big Sunday closes the festival at the Bluecoat on Sunday 14 June, with another programme of new and well-loved performers.

Highlights of the first wave of acts announced include Palestinian singer, musicologist and broadcaster, Reem Kelani, whose voice is described as combining ‘the poignancy of Billie Holiday with the glass-busting power of Aretha Franklin’. Kelani will perform with her band at the iconic St George’s Hall on Friday 12 June.

Organisers have also announced a unique symposium event, focusing on the multiple challenges women face to participate fully in the arts. Entitled Shaping Change: Women, Culture, and Arts, the event will take place on Monday 8 June at the Bluecoat, and will bring together a collection of real life accounts from inspirational women who have overcome such barriers. The audience will be invited to engage in debate as a means to create a deeper understanding.

Several preview events will take place across the city in the coming months. On Friday 20 March at the Bluecoat, LAAF presents a special screening of Habibi, the multiple award-winning film by Susan Youssef, a moving story of forbidden love set in Gaza.

On Friday 17 April, Tamer Abu Gazaleh, composer of alternative Arabic music, brings his unique brand of oud, buzuq, and vocal performance to the Kazimier.

LAAF are offering buyers of the first 100 tickets to paid events a complimentary ticket to LAAF VIP Launch being held on the 5th June. Includes exclusive performances, refreshments and cultural cuisine.

For further information visit http://www.arabartsfestival.co.uk

Categories: 2015 | Archive | News

Subscribe to our mailing list