City of ‘Arab’ Culture
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RETURN: The Arab Arts Festival brings the Arab culture to the forefront of communities in Liverpool in June
Annual Arab Arts Festival returns this summer
The highly anticipated return of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is getting ever nearer as another thrilling celebration of Arab culture is brought to venues across the city.
Running from 6th until 14th June, this year’s event is once again packed full of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and special events, and for the first time will explore the theme of ‘Shaping Change: A work in progress’.
DEBUT: Singer, Reem Kelani, will perform at the festival for the first time this year alongside her band
The theme brings a welcome focus to how Arab communities worldwide are responding to contemporary changes from within and LAAF chairman, Taher Qassim, says it is important to recognise other cultures.
“Liverpool Arab Arts Festival remains the premier UK annual celebration of Arab culture,” he said.
“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.”
One debutant announced already will be Palestinian singer, musicologist and broadcaster, Reem Kelani, who will perform with her band at the iconic St George’s Hall on Friday 12th June.
Meanwhile, festival favourites such as the ever-popular LAAF Family Day, and The Big Sunday event will make their welcome returns with the latter closing the festival at the Bluecoat on Sunday 14th June.
Mr Qassim added: “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.”
In build up to the festival, several preview events will take place across the city in the coming months with all information available via www.arabartsfestival.co.uk