One of the organisers behind this year's Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) said she's proud to consider herself Arab/Scouse.
LAAF was established in 1998 by a small group of family and friends, starting life as a series of small weekend events at the Bluecoat. But 25 years on, the festival has grown into the longest running and most successful annual events of its kind in the UK.
Events will take place from Toxteth TV, and The World Museum to Sefton Park Palm House and more. Local, national and international artists will be performing and visiting Liverpool for the festival, which kicks off today - July 6.
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Afrah Qassim, chair of LAAF told the ECHO: "From the start I’ve supported my father (Taher, a main founder of the festival) alongside family members, friends, colleagues and the community. We wanted to celebrate and represent Arab culture and people through music, dance, food and dressing up.
"Our mission; to educate, challenge and engage communities in Arab arts and culture across the UK and internationally and continue to keep the Arab heritage alive. Also contribute in making our city Liverpool even more extraordinary of its diverse culture, arts and music and I’m proud to consider myself as Arab/Scouse”.
LAAF began with a workshop at Toxteth TV on July 6 from 1pm with the award-winning Other Cinemas on how to use film to create community in your neighbourhood. A screening of Arwa Aburawa and Turab Shah’s newly commissioned film “And Still, it Remains" starts from 6pm with Liverpool poet Amina Atiq moderating the evening.
Launching the festival's live music event is British Somali singer Aar Maanta who will perform at the Music Room at Liverpool Philharmonic. Aar said: "My band and I can’t wait to perform for this artistically rich and unique festival which celebrates 25 years successfully programming in one of the most welcoming and celebrated cities of the world in music and sport”.
Aar is supported by Manchester based British Egyptian Nxdia who added: "I’m excited to be performing and part of the LAAFl. As much as I enjoy performing, I’m eager to see different cultures and histories within the Arab world represented.
"The Arabic speaking world is a huge place. To have a festival dedicated to showing parts of the culture and history of the world I grew up in is very much appreciated and amazing to see”.
From Syria, Maya Youssef also plays at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Rooms on Friday July 14. Maya said: "I’m very excited to perform my album ‘Finding Home’ in its full glory.
"A festival I’ve followed and admired for years means alot to showcase my music in such a great music city and at such an important venue, the Liverpool Philharmonic. Especially to collaborate with members of the wonderful Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. It will be a very special night”.
LAAF ends Sunday July 16 with events taking place at the Palm House in Liverpool's Sefton Park. With music, crafts, storytelling and more including the Ayoub Sisters, the Scottish Egyptian instrumentalists and composers.
The sisters rose to stardom when their debut album premiered at No.1 in the Official Classical Charts. 2019 they won the Arab Women of the Year and recognised internationally for uniting various musical genres and cultures with a unique style of composition.
For events and ticket information visit Liverpool Arab Arts Festival HERE
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