Platforma in Peterborough

A series of events, performances and exhibitions produced by 62 Gladstone Street in Peterborough as part of the Platforma Festival across the East of England.

Platforma 2025 in Peterborough was produced by 62 Gladstone Street, a community-rooted arts space in the heart of Peterborough with a particular focus on supporting South Asian and MENA artists. Through exhibitions, residencies, and public programmes, it provides a vital platform for underrepresented voices and fosters meaningful dialogue between artists and the wider community.

Partners: Counterpoints Arts, Landmark Theatres, Peterborough Cultural Alliance, Metal Peterborough, Peterborough Presents, Peterborough Museum, HELP Charity & the Aziz Foundation.

Dedication: “Our programme is dedicated to the innocent men, women, and children who have lost their lives, those who have been displaced by war, and all those seeking a safe place to call home.”

62 Gladstone Street’s Platforma programme was supported by Arts Council England as and presented as part of the wider Platforma Festival across the East of England, produced by Counterpoints Arts.

The Platforma Peterborough Festival was enjoyed by more than 10,000 people across the city. Reflecting on the extensive programme, writer, producer and curator Aisha Zia noted that it built on three years running Refugee Week with her colleague at 62 Gladstone Street, Anita Nayyar. “Our Refugee Week project originated from the urgent need to address anti-migrant rhetoric post-Brexit,” she explained. “And when we had the opportunity to connect with Platforma, it made sense to expand into a month-long programme.”

The programme connected with people across the city, added Anita Nayyar. “It created  a space for those who don’t feel that they have the loudest voice to come and engage in movements of understanding and solidarity.”

Aisha Zia underscored the critical role of funding. “Goodwill is insufficient,” she said, “and sustainable funding, along with prioritising the well-being and care of artists and makers, is crucial for continuing the movement and partnerships.”

As part of the programme, 62 Gladstone Street also published a book, Carry The Shadows Home, in partnership with Pendle Press.

Recap: Platforma Peterborough events in October 2025

Bridging Landscapes II: Following its successful run at French Riviera Gallery in London and the Rich Mix in Bethnal Green, Bridging Landscapes II comes to Peterborough Museum – a group exhibition curated by Aisha Zia.

Stitching Workshop with Aya Haidar:  a hands-on stitching workshop by Lebanese London-based artist Aya Haidar exploring memory, migration, and material storytelling.

Gateway Film Festival Programme: A series of free screenings of shorts and feature films

Slidefest: workshop featuring four photographers whose powerful visual storytelling explores first-generation migration

Roots & Rhythm: An Afro-Jazz and Poetry Workshop: workshop led by Oloyede Michael – participants will blend improvisation, storytelling, and performance to create original pieces that celebrate us!

The Table: A new play written by Aisha Zia. A version for Platforma Festival directed by Suba Das, with Musical Direction by Rob Green.

Food from Home: A creative, participatory workshop exploring connections between food, memory, and migration with artist Madhu Manipatruni and Peterborough Presents.

Lunch with the Aziz Foundation: hear about their support for British Muslim communities in the media, the arts, and public life.

How to Talk About Palestine – with Makan: a practical workshop designed to help you speak more confidently and effectively about Palestine.

View the full Platforma Peterborough programme

Top image: Chris Neophytou