BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Counterpoints - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Counterpoints REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20140330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20141026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20150329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20151025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20160327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20161030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20170326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20171029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20180325T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20181028T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20190331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20191027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20200329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20201025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20210328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20211031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20220327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20221030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20210101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20150502T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230718T152330 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20150409T164352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144958Z UID:10000070-1430524800-1689693810@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Celebrating 70 Years of Migration DESCRIPTION:Southbank Centre and Counterpoints Arts invite you to join us for an afternoon of activity celebrating our brand new exhibition\, Adopting Britain – 70 Years of Migration. Many individuals and organisations have given their stories\, their keepsakes and their artworks to the exhibition and we would like to say a Big thank you to everyone involved on 2nd May. Come and hear more about the exhibition\, see some incredibly musicians\, go on one of our guided tours and take part in drop-in workshops with some of the artists involved. There will also be an opportunity to hear some of the many stories that have been contributed the exhibition. \nProgramme: Clore Ballroom\, Royal Festival Hall \n11.15am – Introduction to the day – Jude Kelly\, Artistic Director of Southbank Centre\n11.25am – Almir Koldzic\, Co-Director of Counterpoints Arts\n11.30am – Jude Kelly to interview Syed Shamil Ahmed and Nawaaz Hussain – Islam Ain’t That Scary filmmakers\n12 noon – 12.30 – Sophie Henderson to introduce Migration Museum Project (MMP). Then author Robert Winder to do Q&A with 3 Keepsakes contributors\n1-1.30pm – Maya Youssef – Syrian Kanun player\n2 – 2.30pm – Onejah Band\n3pm – End \nTours\n11.30am – Tour 1\n1pm – Tour 2 \n11am – 3pm – Workshops – ongoing  \nMMP Keepsakes workshop\nKate MacKay Journey of 1000 Words haiku workshop\nYour Migration Story – Adopting Britain \n1.30 – 3pm – Maya Youssef drop in instrument workshop \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/adopting-britain-70-years-of-migration/ CATEGORIES:Multi-Art Form,Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/unnamed.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20151106T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230718T171249 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20150624T174126Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145507Z UID:10000095-1446838200-1689700369@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Nine Lives DESCRIPTION:Friday 6th November\, 7.30pm \nUpstairs at The Western\, 70 Western Road Leicester LE3 0GA \nLeeds Studio in association with West Yorkshire Playhouse presents Nine Lives by Zodwa Nyoni \nIshmael is seeking a new life. He knows of villages and the sound of a gun. But he doesn’t know Burnsall Heights Estate. He doesn’t know Armley\, the place where they have dispersed him to. He is waiting for his papers. He is waiting for his new life to begin amongst these strangers. Through Ismael’s eyes we see the lives of residents of Armley\, new and old. \nWritten by Zimbabwean-born playwright and poet Zodwa Nyoni\, directed by Alex Chisholm and performed by Lladel Bryant. \nFull details and booking: http://upstairsatthewestern.com/shows/nine-lives/ \nPresented as part of the Platforma Festival. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/nine-lives/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/nine-lives870.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220620T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220726T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220511T100303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145001Z UID:10000075-1655683200-1658793600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Refugee Week 2022 DESCRIPTION:Refugee Week\, co-ordinated by Counterpoints Arts will be taking place across the UK and internationally from 20-26 June. \nThe theme this year is Healing. Through creativity and conversations\, Refugee Week 2022 will be a celebration of community\, mutual care\, and the human ability to start again. \nThe lead illustration for Refugee Week 2022 is by Nima Javan\, a painter specialising in traditional Persian art and contemporary abstract art. Nima’s current work is inspired by ‘Persian miniatures’\, using characters found in traditional paintings as well as his own creations. Originally from Quchan in North East Iran\, Nima sought refuge in the UK in 2019. The illustration is commissioned for Refugee Week by Counterpoints Arts. \nIf you’re holding your own event for Refugee Week\, you’re welcome to use Nima’s image in your Refugee Week publicity\, crediting ‘image by Nima Javan for Refugee Week’ where possible. You can crop the image if needed but we ask that you don’t modify it – thanks! \nRefugee Week is a festival celebrating the contributions\, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Founded in 1998 and held every year around World Refugee Day on the 20 June\, Refugee Week is also a growing global movement\, with many events planned for 2022 in countries including Australia\, Greece and Germany (both in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts)\, Malta\, Taiwan and Hong Kong. \nThrough a programme of arts\, cultural\, sports and educational events alongside media and creative campaigns\, Refugee Week enables people from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels\, as well as encouraging understanding of why people are displaced\, and the challenges they face when seeking safety.  Refugee Week is a platform for people who have sought safety to share their experiences\, perspectives and creative work on their own terms. \nRefugee Week’s vision is for refugees and asylum seekers to be able to live safely within inclusive and resilient communities\, where they can continue to make a valuable contribution. \nRefugee Week is an umbrella festival\, and anyone can get involved by holding or joining an event or activity. Refugee Week events happen in all kinds of different spaces and range from arts festivals\, exhibitions\, film screenings and museum tours to football tournaments\, public talks and activities in schools. \n\nA selection from our Refugee Week programme: \n20th June at BFI\, 2 -3.35pm\, Le Havre\nhttps://counterpoints.org.uk/event/le-havre/\nSet in the port city of Le Havre\, this charming comedy-drama tells the story of an ageing bohemian\, his wife and the wider community as they confront everyday hardships of their own but also that of the refugee crisis that surrounds them.\nGuest list/tickets.\n\n24th June at SBC\, 7.45 to 9.15pm\, Passage: New writing on migration and displacement\nhttps://counterpoints.org.uk/event/passage-new-writing-on-displacement-and-migration/\nThe event features a line-up of artists and writers at the forefront of driving social change through their storytelling.Chaired by Christy Lefteri with Helen Benedict (Footnote)\, Ania bas + one TBC.\nGuest list/tickets.\n\n24th June at V&A\, from 6.30pm\, our Friday Late collaboration with BLM Fest and V&A\nInfo published this week\, the programme includes a screening and panel on the LGBTQI+\, Black and People of Colour histories\, London Ballroom and vouguing performance and workshop\, Black queer history poetry workshop and performance in the John Madejsko garden/pool.\n \n25th June\, 1 to 5.30pm\, Celebrating Sanctuary: Lewisham Refugee Week Festival at the Horniman Museum\nhttps://counterpoints.org.uk/event/celebrating-sanctuary-lewisham-refugee-week-festival/\nA day of fun and thought-provoking art\, performance\, food\, music\, workshops and discussion celebrating Lewisham’s richly diverse communities. With a host of local community organisations. Full programme announced shortly.\n\n25th June at SBC\, 7.45 to 9.30pm\, Awate presents: About Us\nhttps://counterpoints.org.uk/event/awate-presents-about-us/\nThe Eritrean-born\, Camden-raised wordsmith\, poet\, rapper\, producer and activist curates this event as part of Refugee Week 2022. The line-up includes resident DJ for the night TrYb\, as well as live performances from IsattaSheriff\, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan\, Susanne Xin and Kofi Stone.\nGuest list/tickets.\n\n26th June at SBC\, 7.45 to 9.45pm\, No Direction Home\nhttps://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/gigs/no-direction-home?eventId=911030\nWith host Ola Labib\, headlined by Fatiha El-Ghorri\nGuest list/tickets.\n\n21st to 26th June\, at varous times\, Alter by Distanced Assemblage\nhttps://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/art-exhibitions/alter\nOur co-commision with Southbank centre\, inspired by the rich history of Southbank Centre and notions of refuge and displacement. The installation of seven movable sculptures filling the public spaces with sound sand colour. The artists are runing sculpture\, movement and creative writing workshops through out the week. The installation is on the spirit Level at the start of the week\, moving to Clore Ballroom from 24th to 26th June.\n \n  \nFull details about Refugee Week events\, plus resources and inspirations including the Simple Acts programme can be found on the Refugee Week website. \nRefugee Week is a partnership project coordinated and managed by Counterpoints Arts. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/refugee-week-2022/ CATEGORIES:Multi-Art Form ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Nima-Javan-RW-Comission-2022-1024x1024-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221012T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221012T213000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220923T114553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145001Z UID:10000042-1665604800-1665610200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home... in Devon! DESCRIPTION:Schedule in some uncontrollable laughter with No Direction Home — an evening of live stand-up comedy presented by Counterpoints Arts at Dartington Trust’s Great Hall\, in Totnes\, Devon. Laugh alongside our host\, Exeter-based award-winning comedian Tom Parry\, as he introduces guest celebrities and new hilarious voices. \nNish Kumar says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny!” \nThe No Direction Home comedy collective\, produced by Counterpoints Arts\, supports people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to learn the skills of stand-up. Founded in 2018\, in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, they’ve since performed sell-out gigs around the country including at London’s Southbank Centre and the Edinburgh Fringe\, alongside leading comedians including Nish Kumar\, Rogesh Ramananthan\, Suzi Ruffell\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Athena Kugblenu. New No Direction Home collectives have been established in Coventry and Greece. \nThe full lineup of comedians for the night: \n\nTom Parry is a screenwriter\, director\, comedian and podcaster. He is one-third of the award-winning ‘Pappy’s’\, nominated twice for the Edinburgh Comedy Award\, and has performed two sell-out solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe — ‘Parryoke’ in 2019 and ‘Yellow T-Shirt’ in 2015. Tom was a co-founder of the No Direction Home comedy collective produced by Counterpoints Arts.\nEmily Bampton is an exciting new voice in comedy\, recently shortlisted for BBC New Comedian of the Year 2022. She performs improvised comedy with the legendary Oxford Imps and is working on her first pilot for a comedy drama series\, Cash Grab. \nLoraine Mponela\, a migrants rights campaigner based in Coventry and originally from Malawi\, joined the No Direction Home comedy collective in 2021 and has since performed several gigs including a sold-out show at London’s Southbank Centre. \nSuchandrika Chakrabarti writes for Radio 4’s The News Quiz and The Now Show and debuted her comedy show “I Miss Amy Winehouse” at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. She also co-hosts the comedy podcast\, But Is It Funny?\, produced by Counterpoints Arts. \nYasmeen Audisho Ghrawi is a Queer Iraqi/Syrian/Assyrian performer and theatre-maker who\, after a lifetime of censorship\, is emerging to share joy\, pleasure\, and hairy relics of wisdom and truth. She’s been a member of the No Direction Home comedy collective since 2020\, and has performed her solo show “From the Daughter of a Dictator” around the country including the Weapons of Mass Hilarity Comedy Festival.\n\nAlongside this event\, Tom Parry has been running a series of No Direction Home comedy workshops with asylum seekers in Plymouth\, in collaboration with Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support. \nThis comedy night is presented alongside Counterpoints’ Pop Culture & Social Change Retreat at Dartington Hall (12-14 October)\, bringing together a group of 50 change-making entertainment producers\, artists\, cultural innovators\, activists and philanthropists committing to building long-term narrative power for Black\, POC\, migrant and refugee communities. \nDetails:\n\nWednesday\, 12th October\, 8-9:30pm\nDartington’s’ Great Hall\, Totnes TQ9 6EL\, United Kingdom\nTickets £10 (50% of proceeds to be donated to Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support)\nAges 16+\, wheelchair accessible (for further accessibility requirements\, email boxoffice@dartington.org)\n\nBOOK ONLINE VIA DARTINGTON TRUST \n//  \nTom Parry is a screenwriter\, director\, comedian and podcaster. His debut feature film script “Your Christmas Or Mine” has just been filmed by Amazon Studio’s (release date November 2022). He is one-third of the award-winning ‘Pappy’s’\, nominated twice for the Edinburgh Comedy Award\, and has performed two sell-out solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe — ‘Parryoke’ in 2019 and ‘Yellow T-Shirt’ in 2015 for which he was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award and was adapted into the acclaimed Radio 4 series ‘Fancy Dressed Life’.  \nCounterpoints Arts is a leading UK organisation in the field of arts\, migration and cultural change. It’s mission is to support and produce the arts by and about migrants and refugees\, seeking to ensure that their contributions are recognized and welcomed within British arts\, history and culture. Its PopChange Initiative explores how to pop culture for social change\, shifting narratives about migration and displacement. \nDartington Trust\, founded in 1925\, is a thriving visitor destination and charity supporting learning in arts\, ecology and social justice\, set on a beautiful 1\,200 acre estate in the South Devon countryside. Throughout its history it has drawn leading artists and thinkers including Bernard Leach\, composer Igor Stravinsky\, cellist Jacqueline du Pre\, musician Ravi Shankar\, playwright Bernard Shaw and environmental activist Vandana Shiva. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-in-devon/ LOCATION:Dartington Trust\, Totnes\, TQ9 6EL CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MCH_1VA1748-Counterpoints-RW2022-597-1820x1215-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221013T200000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221013T220000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220923T114455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000014-1665691200-1665698400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:About Us! Artists’ Scratch Showcase: South West Edition DESCRIPTION:Presented by Counterpoints Arts and Dartington Trust\, and curated by artist and producer AWATE\, the About Us! Artists’ Scratch Showcase: South West Edition is a sharing and networking event for creatives based across the South West.  \nThe About Us! Artists’ Scratch Showcase is curated and initiated by AWATE\, inspired by a similar platform developed by TekstLab (Oslo)\, and developed by Counterpoints Arts in partnership with Southbank Centre. It was created as a safe space to uplift and connect artistic experimenters that identify as Black\, POC\, and/or with lived experience of migration or displacement. The South West Edition is a public event held as part of Counterpoints Arts’ Pop Culture & Social Change Retreat at Dartington Hall (12-14 October)\, bringing together a group of 50 change-making entertainment producers\, artists\, cultural innovators\, activists and philanthropists committing to building long-term narrative power for Black\, POC\, migrant and refugee communities. \nEach commissioned artist performs or presents one piece of work to a public audience\, including creative peers. After each performance\, the artists and audience will discuss any shared or contrasting themes\, talk about craft\, as well as networking and industry advice.  \nArtists may include writers\, musicians\, dancers\, filmmakers\, designers\, architects (or anything between!). Previous showcases have included comedians\, screenwriters\, folk singers and performance art.  \nWhether or not you are an artist\, everyone is invited to join us for an inspiring and interactive evening! \nIf you are an artist or creative interested in showcasing your work\, you can apply here by midnight 2nd October. All selected artists receive a fee plus travel expenses.  \nDetails\n\nThursday\, 13th October\, 8-10pm\nDartington’s’ Great Hall\, Totnes\, Devon TQ9 6EL\nPay what you can (suggested £5-10)\nAges 16+\, wheelchair accessible (for further accessibility requirements\, email boxoffice@dartington.org)\n\nBOOK ONLINE VIA DARTINGTON TRUST \n// \nAWATE is a visionary rapper and producer from Eritrea. Raised in Camden\, his mix of vintage sounds provided by collaborator\, Turkish Dcypha\, and intricate lyrics with triumphantly psychedelic melodies have had acclaim from Complex\, Noisey and Spotify. \nCounterpoints Arts is a leading UK organisation in the field of arts\, migration and cultural change. It’s mission is to support and produce the arts by and about migrants and refugees\, seeking to ensure that their contributions are recognized and welcomed within British arts\, history and culture. The Pop Culture and Social Change Retreat 2022 is produced through it’s PopChange Initiative\, exploring how to harness entertainment to shift narratives about migration and displacement. \nDartington Trust\, founded in 1925\, is a thriving visitor destination and charity supporting learning in arts\, ecology and social justice\, set on a beautiful 1\,200 acre estate in the South Devon countryside. Throughout its history it has drawn leading artists and thinkers including Bernard Leach\, composer Igor Stravinsky\, cellist Jacqueline du Pre\, musician Ravi Shankar\, playwright Bernard Shaw and environmental activist Vandana Shiva. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/about-us-artists-scratch-showcase-south-west-edition/ CATEGORIES:Literature & Spoken Word,Music,Performance & Dance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MCH_1VA1649-Counterpoints-RW2022-547-e1662479162562-1820x1087-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221025T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230205T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220914T103742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000043-1666692000-1675616400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:One Song at Museum of the Home DESCRIPTION:One Song is a new multiscreen video installation that explores the power of songs that connect us to our roots. \nThe work examines how songs are carried across borders and continents and yet firmly rooted in the soil of the places they were first sung. It asks how migrant communities can\, through the somatic experience of singing\, be transported back to the places they left behind. \nCommissioned by Counterpoints Arts and conceived by artist Kadir Karababa\, it has engaged women from the diverse migrant communities of Hackney\, London. It is funded by Hackney Council’s Shoreditch and Hoxton Art Fund and presented in partnership with Museum of the Home. \nParticipants were recruited through a series of community workshops in Shoreditch and Hoxton in April and May 2022. \nAmong those taking part were Hackney based women’s groups from Xenia\, Refugee Women’s Association\, City Connections and Age UK. Workshop attendees were invited to sing one song that reminded them of the place they first called home. \nA final group of 15 local migrant and refugee women were then filmed to be part of the installation exhibited at the Museum of the Home from October 25th. \nOne Song will be exhibited at the Museum of the Home 25th October 2022-5th February 2023 \nArtist Kadir Karababa says: \n“Folk and traditional songs the world over deal with the same universal themes: love\, life\, death\, loss\, connection to place and the earth.” \n“By asking women from migrant communities to share their songs the piece seeks to make visible the interconnectedness of us all and how\, despite the surface differences of race\, religion\, language and culture\, we are all ultimately singing the same song.” \nTom Green for Counterpoints Arts says: \n“We’re an arts organisation that works nationally and internationally but our offices are in Hackney and we love to work locally\, too.” \n“Kadir’s project gets right to the heart of our interest in connecting people across communities through the arts\, finding the things in common about migration and displacement that can inspire and move us all.” \nCllr Chris Kennedy\, Hackney Council’s Cabinet member for health\, adult social care\, voluntary sector and culture\, says: \n“Our investment into the Shoreditch and Hoxton Art Fund for arts and cultural projects is raised from levies placed on new developments\, called Section 106 contributions. When shortlisting projects for funding\, we wanted to prioritise those which would build better connections between communities. \n“In Hackney\, we celebrate our diversity and this project really encapsulates that. I’m excited to see One Song come to life at the Museum of the Home this October.” \nKadir Karababa’s practice is both sociopolitically engaged and deeply rooted in his personal experiences of class\, identity and collective memory. Encompassing sculpture\, print\, audio-visual and performative elements his work makes use of archival research\, found images and cheap everyday materials that are at hand. \nKadir was born in London in 1985 and has mixed Turkish\, English and Cypriot heritage. He lives and works in Hackney. He graduated from Dartington Art School with a distinction in MA Arts and Place. \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/one-song/ CATEGORIES:Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-song1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221110T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221118T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20221021T114547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000041-1668038400-1668729600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Gresham Wooden Horse DESCRIPTION:Gresham Wooden Horse is an art project co-created over several years by the artist\, Isabel Lima\, with residents and community stakeholders in the neighbourhood of Gresham\, Middlesbrough. \nThis exhibition translates the collective actions and ways of working throughout Gresham Wooden Horse – the paths taken\, challenges met and project milestones – into a gallery context. \nLima’s work is mediated through a decolonial lens. The exhibition space is curated via a series of interconnected themes reflected in her practice: themes of ‘openness’\, ‘vulnerability’\, ‘commitment’\, and ‘time’. \nIn choosing to bring a neighbourhood project into the space of the gallery\, Lima invites a wider audience to step into a re-enactment of Gresham Wooden Horse. To take part in a conversation around the complexities of place-based work and what it might mean to do socially engaged practice in a neighbourhood\, like Gresham. \nhttps://www.visitnca.com/exhibitions/gresham-wooden-horse \nThis exhibition has been supported by Counterpoints Arts and Arts Council England URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/gresham-wooden-horse/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Learning,Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HorseforrightsideimagewithLogos3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221112T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230305T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20221124T114709Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000040-1668211200-1677974400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Internal Landscapes by Dima Karout DESCRIPTION:Image: Monoprint by Dima Karout. Details from the art book cover.\n  \nInternal Landscapes is a collective art exhibition curated and produced by Dima Karout. It is a creative investigation into Lewisham’s meaningful places and how they inspire and shape its people. \nDima invited local people to a series of curated conversations where they explored how the places we inhabit imprint themselves on our personal and collective identities. This display\, and the Internal Landscapes art book\, are inspired by these encounters. \nThe project \nIn January 2022\, arts curator and creative director\, Dima Karout took up residence at Lewisham Council and communities\, as part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture\, co-commissioned by Counterpoints Arts. \nDima engaged in conversations with policy makers and local organisations\, explored the connections between migration and democracy\, created new partnerships and produced a community-building programme. Her project focused on inclusion and engaged with Lewisham’s vision as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary. \nHer creative conversations\, printmaking and writing workshops were produced in partnership with Crofton Park\, Corbett\, Manor House and Sydenham Community Libraries and Lewisham Local. Inspired by these encounters Dima produced the Internal Landscapes art book and this collective exhibition. It contains reflections from locals on their experiences within their neighbourhood\, and glimpses into new connections fostered by the project. \nWorkshops \nDima invites you to explore your creativity in a friendly\, open and inclusive setting. Meet other people in a small group and learn about Internal Landscapes art project. \nParticipants will share their connection to their neighbourhoods\, explore how the places we inhabit contribute to our evolving identity and take part in exciting new conversations. \nPlaces are limited. Booking is essential to reserve your place. More info and for booking: \n\nFriday 9 December at Crofton Park Community Library. 6 – 8 pm \n\n\nSaturday 10 December at Manor House Library. 11 am – 1 pm \nTuesday 13 December at Corbett Community Library. 5 – 7 pm \n\nDima Karout \nDima is an arts curator and creative director with multicultural education background and 20 years international experience in designing art projects and learning programmes. She specialises in contemporary art and its potential for expanding ideas\, building creative communities and initiating social change. \n  \nFull details: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/event/internal-landscapes/ \n \n\n\n\nPart of We Are Lewisham\, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n  \nSupported by Arts Council England. \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/internal-landscapes/ LOCATION:Horniman Museum and Gardens\, 100 London Road\, London\, \, SE23 3PQ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Dima-Art-Book.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221201T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221201T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20221128T233045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000039-1669887000-1669914000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Learning Lab: CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE – ARTS\, CULTURE AND ENGAGEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE DESCRIPTION:Image: Kas Darley and Mark Stevenson | Teatro Vivo\, and Dima Karout | Arts Curator\n  \nHow are artist-led methodologies and cultural programmes in local government transforming civic participation\, service provision\, policy-making and governance? \nIn this Learning Lab\, we bring together several of The Mayor’s London Borough of cultural programmes\, which have incorporated creative acts of convening\, speculation\, community manifesto-making and collaboration between artists\, council workers\, service users and wider residents. \nAs part of We Are Lewisham\, The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022\, we will engage with the recent Artists of Change Residencies\, co-developed by Lewisham Council and Counterpoints Arts\, highlighting Teatro Vivo’s focus on Lewisham Council’s call to action on Climate Emergency\, and Dima Karout’s engagement with Lewisham’s proud status as the first to declare as a Borough of Sanctuary. \nAlongside this\, we will hear from on-going cultural programmes\, including the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s New Town Culture\, which is embedding culture as a core part of social care services\, and the Mayor of London’s commissioned 2.8 Million Minds\, which is exploring how culture can support young peoples’ mental health. \nThis Learning Lab provides an opportunity for collective learning from live case studies and a practical space to workshop commissioning processes. It also aims to evaluate the tangible impact of creative collaborations and community manifestos that connect residents and local authorities in shared conversation and ownership of a borough. We welcome all council teams\, artists\, producers and community organisers. \nReflections from the Learning Lab will be visually documented by Migrants in Culture. \nLearning Lab is a Counterpoints Arts’ programme. \nCatalysts for Change – Arts\, Culture and Engagement in Local Governance is designed in collaboration with Joon-Lynn Goh\, cultural organiser and Civic Futures Fellow 2021/2022 with GLA. \nPart of We Are Lewisham\, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022. It is funded by Mayor of London with support  from Lewisham Council\, Horniman Museum and Gardens and Counterpoints Arts. \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/learning-lab-catalysts-for-change-arts-culture-and-engagement-in-local-governance/ LOCATION:Horniman Museum and Gardens\, 100 London Road\, London\, \, SE23 3PQ CATEGORIES:Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-1-1024x1024-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230403T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230626T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230301T100025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144958Z UID:10000038-1680480000-1687737600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home comedy at Soho Theatre DESCRIPTION:UPDATE: All gigs are now sold out. Check back for more dates this autumn! \nNo Direction Home\, The UK’s first – and funniest – refugee comedy collective are coming to Soho Theatre for three groundbreaking gigs with their very special guests. \nStarting on 3rd April\, with guest headliner Nish Kumar\, the No Direction Home stand-ups will bring their unique perspectives to London’s premier comedy venue. \nPresented by Show And Tell with Counterpoints Arts\, the three gigs in April\, May and June will feature line-ups of new voices from refugee and migrant backgrounds alongside some of the biggest names in British comedy. \nConfirmed guest hosts and headliners: \nApril 3: Hosted by Jessica Fostekew\, headlined by Nish Kumar\, with Teddy\, Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi\, Anastasia Chokuwamba \nMay 22: Hosted by Fatiha El-Ghorri\, headlined by Bridget Christie \nJune 26: Hosted by Chloe Petts\, headlined by Sindhu Vee \nSoho Theatre\, 21 Dean St London W1D 3NE\nTickets £14 – £18\nwww.sohotheatre.com \nBook tickets \n020 7478 0100 \nNo Direction Home was established by Counterpoints Arts with Camden People’s Theatre and top stand-up Tom Parry\, who has mentored the group. \nThey have already won over audiences in a variety of venues in London and around the country\, and have now secured their first West End run. \nTV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar\, says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny. The material is really good.” \nNo Direction Home performers are new talents with backgrounds in countries including Syria\, Iran\, Iraq\, Ethiopia and Mali. \nYasmeen Ghrawi says: “No Direction Home is a space to show up/stand up\, a space to be seen and heard\, a space of celebration. We come from places of varying remoteness to the UK\, some of us fresh off the back of a truck\, others migrated here years ago. We hope to keep sharing the love – and our jokes.” \nShow And Tell is an award-winning production company of live comedy\, with a national and international programme of events. With teams in London and New York\, we seek to play an integral role in the live performance careers of many world-class and emerging talents in both the UK and US. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-comedy-at-soho-theatre/ CATEGORIES:Comedy END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230520T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230517T182754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000023-1684584000-1684584000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Canalside Neighbourhood Annual Spring Community Party DESCRIPTION:Image credit: Briony Campbell\nCounterpoints is again working with our partners\, Canalside Residents Association (CRA)\, on a plan for a Phase 2 of our Everyday on Canalside neighbourhood project. \nFirst event of the Phase 2 is a Spring Party at the Community Centre on Philipp Street\, a day of creative activities including families ‘crafts workshops\, street ‘placemaking’ drawing workshop\, Brasilian music band and also a Cockney Sing-a-long\, face and henna painting\, free food by the local restaurant\, Humdingers\, and more. We are also supporting the dedication of a space at the Community Centre to Terry Downey\, the previous CRA Chair and all round beautiful human who we worked with on so many elements of the project. Terry died during Covid-19 and his neighbours will be reflecting on his legacy. \nArtist Dana Olărescu joins the project with her collaborative practice of co-creating with communities around the themes of identity and climate justice. Dana will be running a workshop\, bringing together the project archive and new conversations and post-Covid world thinking. \nJoin us! URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/canalside-neighbourhood-annual-spring-street-party/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/©brionycampbell2016_CRA_253.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230526T200000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230526T203000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230523T125735Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000019-1685131200-1685133000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Tate Late: Art Chat\, with AWATE and Matt Foot DESCRIPTION:In the context of Tate Modern’s new commission\, The Embassy by Richard Bell\, the upcoming Tate Late celebrates art\, activism and protest. \nIn one of the Art Chats\, we present rapper and filmmaker Awate Abdalla in conversation with human rights lawyer Matt Foot. \nJoin us in person\, or in a live stream at Tate’s Youtube\, from 8pm. \nSee HERE for details of the Tate Late full programme. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/tate-late-art-chat-with-awate-and-matt-foot/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2022-06-14-at-11.50.00.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230608T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230608T230000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230517T081448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000032-1686218400-1686265200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Murugiah: Compassion DESCRIPTION:‘Our task must be to free ourselves … by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.’ – Albert Einstein \n‘Compassion’ is a new and exciting artwork created by award-winning artist Murugiah. He has developed it in collaboration with a group of young asylum seekers from Compass Collective. The piece is inspired by the artwork of young pupils across the UK featuring messages of welcome for refugees and those seeking asylum around the world. \nIn the context of ongoing global crises and increasingly dangerous anti-migration rhetoric and policies\, this work invites us to see how interconnected our world really is and how something seemingly ‘far away’ can impact all of us. \nThrough his distinctly bold and joyful approach\, Murugiah and his young co-creators suggest that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can significantly improve the lives of people we encounter along the way; impacting not only our immediate family and friends but those with different life experiences and situations to ourselves. \nBy celebrating what connects us\, ‘Compassion’ shows us that our actions really can change the world. \nThis artwork has been commissioned by Choose Love\, Counterpoints Arts and Students Rebuild for the 25th anniversary of ‘Refugee Week.’. \nFree\, presented in collaboration with Southbank Centre. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/murugiah-compassion/ LOCATION:Southbank Centre\, Belvedere Road\, London\, SE1 8XX CATEGORIES:Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hi-Rez-Murugiah-Choose-Love-Compassion.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230609T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230609T183000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230526T153357Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000012-1686322800-1686335400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Art\, Community and the Future(s) of Intangible Cultural Heritage DESCRIPTION:Beyond the Now: Socially Engaged Practice in a (Dis) Connected World\n  \n\n\nJoin us on the 9th June at The Box for a conversation about the critical re-imagining of collections and archives in an age of uncertainty and resistance\, together with the increasingly urgent work of recovering and preserving intangible heritage. \nThis event takes place in the context of the Beyond the Now: Socially Engaged Practice in a (Dis) Connected World Programme\, funded by the British Council International Collaboration Fund. Key partners include Ettijahat Independent Culture\,Counterpoints Arts\, Arts University Plymouth and Mozilla Festival (members of the *Beyond the Now collective). \n3:00 – 4:30pm \nSession 1 will showcase artistic interventions linking art and community projects with intangible cultural heritage initiated by the arts organisation Ettijahat Independent Culture (Beirut /Brussels)\, under their Create Syria Programme; together with projects and residencies supported in 2022-2023 by Beyond the Now: Socially Engaged Practice in a (Dis) Connected World. \nPresenters: Basma Baydoun\, Daniela Nofal and Sarah Allen. \nModerator: Stephen Felmingham. \n5:00 – 6:30pm \nSession 2 will explore the potential to reframe/reimagine public collections and archives through the integrated lens of displacement\, socially engaged art practice\, education and community engagement. \nPresenters: Awate Suileman\, Ashish Ghadiali\, Abdullah and Chloe Hughes. \nModerator Áine O’Brien. \n  \nRegister via Eventbrite to join in person. To join us virtually\, register here. \n\n\n\n\n\n  \nBeyond the Now \nBeyond the Now: Socially Engaged Art in a (Dis)Connected World is an international research\, development and cultural exchange focused on the role(s) of socially engaged art in an age of displacement. It includes a programme of mentorships\, residencies\, public dialogues\, commissions\, and other peer-to-peer learning for Syrian and Arab artists working across all art forms in the SWANA region\, Europe and the UK. \nBeyond the Now aims to open up new creative cultural and political affinities/solidarities for a post-pandemic world. We comprise small to medium arts\, civic\, research and digital organizations:; Counterpoints Arts\, (London\, UK: https://counterpoints.org.uk/); Ettijahat-Independent Culture (Lebanon and Belgium: https://www.ettijahat.org/site/index); Mozilla Festival (Holland/UK: https://www.mozillafestival.org/en/); CREATE (Ireland: https://www.create-ireland.ie/); co-culture (Germany: https://www.coculture.org/); in addition to individual researchers and producers working at: Open University (UK: https://www.open.ac.uk/); Arts University Plymouth (UK: https://www.aup.ac.uk/). \nBios: \nNoura Alsouma \nNoura is a Syrian illustrator\, graphic designer\, and printmaking artist\, born in the UAE. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Multimedia from the University of Sharjah\, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Graphic Art (with a specialization in printmaking) at UMCS Poland. As an artist between the Middle East and Europe\, Noura tries to connect different places and cultures\, and holds a special place for the Arabic Language in her art. \nYara Amairy \nYara’s journey with the arts began through music\, where she had the opportunity to participate in various festivals and concerts in and around Damascus\, and work with children ages 6 to 10 as a music tutor. After graduating from the Faculty of Architecture\, she worked in the Consulting Center for Construction and Restoration of Heritage Buildings\, supervising the restoration work in Khan Suleiman Pasha\, and working on the rehabilitation of commercial buildings in Old Damascus. She volunteers as a teacher of architectural design for the first and second-year students in the Faculty of Architecture at Damascus University\, where she has lectured on the history of Syrian art\, and is pursuing her Masters in the restoration and rehabilitation of archaeological sites. \n\n\n\n\nAbeer Sanyour \nAbeer is an architect and Master’s student in Urban and Environmental Planning in Syria. She participated in various trainings around tangible and intangible cultural heritage and renovation\, and has worked as editor for the magazine Twenty-Two\, specialized in architectural concerns through educating\, training\, habitation and culture– spreading. Among their volunteering staff are students\, graduate architects\, and researchers across the architectural spectrum. Abeer has also collaborated with the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums and is interested in social-spatial cohesion by working and connecting with local communities and their shared heritage.  \nWard Al Khalad \nWard is a Damascus-born artist who works with different artistic mediums such as illustration\, fashion design\, and documentation. After moving to Beirut\, he worked as an illustrator with the Library of Arabic Literature NYUAD. Building on a passion for traditional crafts and design\, he co-founded studio Kunukku\, a multi-disciplinary studio preserving the traditional craft of Syrian block printing. Being its creative director\, he has recently launched its first fashion collection in Beirut and is working on expanding his artistic research through more personal creative projects.  \nBasma Baydoun \nA graduate of Performing Arts (B.A – Lebanese University)\, Theatre Design (B.A – Concordia University)\, and Theatre Directing (M.A – Saint Joseph’s University)\, Basma splits her time between creative and cultural projects\, in addition to being a programme manager with Ettijahat – Independent Culture\, a cultural institution which supports artistic and cultural research and production\, education\, and capacity-building\, in response to the needs of independent artistic and cultural practitioners in the Arab Region. She has worked with various artists between Lebanon and Canada and has collaborated with Director’s Lab Mediterranean to organize its first and fourth editions in Beirut. \n\n\n\n\nDaniela Nofal \nDaniela is a London-based cultural organiser and arts practitioner. Daniela has produced various artistic projects and creative interventions\, sitting at the intersection of art\, arts education and social engagement\, and has collaborated with a number of organisations across the UK and internationally\, including Beyond the Now\, Counterpoints Arts and Ettijahat. Central to her artistic practice is experimenting with forms of organising and collectivising to reimagine forms of assembly and solidarity. Daniela is a member of several arts collectives including Cross Commons Collective\, and Sadaa Sound Syndicate. In 2020 she co-founded Zamakan\, a nomadic arts organisation working with artists from across West Asia and North Africa. Daniela is one of the initiators of SACF\, London’s Syrian Arts and Culture Festival. \nStephen Felmingham  \nStephen Felmingham is an artist and educator with an active research interest in creative pedagogies\, specifically research-led learning and alternative art school models and he leads on projects that work in and for communities\, introducing this into socially-engaged art and education and connecting organisations (artist-led initiatives\, community organisations\, public and philanthropic funders) who are working with the agency of creativity in the social realm. His research outputs have developed over the last three years into outward facing social practice projects\, including work with refugee communities that cohere with the College’s strategic aims of creative pedagogy and social justice\, as a founding partner of Beyond the Now\, a syndicated online platform working in locations across Europe\, the MENA region and the Global South to open new creative\, cultural and political affinities for a post-pandemic world. \n\n\n\n\nAbdullah Al Kafri \nAbdullah Alkafri is an award-winning playwright and theatre director. He has also collaborated with arts organisations including LIFT (UK)\, the Royal Court Theatre (UK)\, IEVP (Norway) and Lark (USA). He also works as a trainer\, strategic planner\, fundraiser and designer for arts intervention initiatives\, working with Culture Resource (Al Mawred Al Thaqafy) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung among many others in Lebanon\, Syria\, Tunisia\, Yemen and elsewhere. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Arab Council for Social Sciences\, the Artistic Committee of Sundance Institute’s MENA Theater Lab and the board of the 10th Summit on Arts and Culture.In 2014. As a member of Ettijahat – Independent Culture\, Abdullah was chosen to succeed Rana Yazji as Executive Director of the non- governmental organisation. Ettijahat is dedicated to supporting Syrian artists and cultural practitioners and their peers across the Arab region and Europe\, providing capacity-building and educational opportunities to artists\, cultural practitioners and academics\, as well as financial and legal support. He also teaches MA Theatre at l’Université Saint-Joseph\, Beirut\, where he was awarded a PhD in performing arts in 2022.Ettijahat is one of the founding partners of Beyond the Now Collective. \nAshish Ghadiali  \nAshish Ghadiali is a writer\, filmmaker and activist. He is the Founder/Director of Radical Ecology\, a not-for-profit organisation that works across art\, research and policy to advance environmental justice and he is currently working on his first book\, Dart River – a psychogeography of empire set in the landscapes of South Devon for Hutchinson Heinemann. Film works include Planetary Imagination (2023)\, a 5-screen installation for The Box in Plymouth and The Confession (2016)\, a feature documentary for BBC Storyville and the BFI. He is also curator of the multi-artist group exhibition\, Against Apartheid\, which will open at KARST\, also in Plymouth\, in Autumn 2023. \nAWATE \nAWATE is a critically acclaimed rapper\, writer\, producer and performer focused on stories at the intersection of race\, class and surrealism – with a dose of humour. A former Activist in Residence at UCL in 2021\, Artist in Residence at the Tate and British Library in 2020 and 2019. Musician in Residence for the PRS Foundation and British Council working in Brazil in 2018 and Resident Artist at The Roundhouse in 2016 – Awate has produced a wide range of commissioned multimedia works mixing music\, film\, theatre and visual art. Awate’s 2018 debut album\, Happiness was supported by BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra\, Spotify\, Noisey\, MOBO x Help Musicians UK and called a\, “British rap masterpiece” by Trench Magazine. \n\n\n\n\nChloe Hughes \nChloe is a cultural leader who has worked across the creative sector. Chloe joined The Box’s senior management team in 2019\, having previously worked for Cornwall Museums Partnership. Working within museums she specialises in establishing organisational strategy through an EDI lens\, developing partnerships which create inclusive new opportunities and securing funding to enable audience development. She leads The Box’s extensive engagement programme which spans early years through to lifelong learning opportunities\, and whose digital initiative during Covid was shortlisted for the National Lottery Award Project of the Year. She is a member of the Museums Association Decolonisation Collective and an alumni of their Transformers leadership programme. \nÁine O’Brien  \nÁine is the Curator of Learning and Research/Co-Founder at Counterpoints Arts.  Áine has worked across the arts\, education and activism in the US\, Ireland and the UK and was co-director of Counterpoints Arts 2012- 2020. Åine runs Learning Lab\, a platform supporting cooperative (un)learning through socially engaged art (SEA). She directs the Summer School on Collaborative Practice and Social Change (in partnership with Create – National Development Agency for Collaborative Arts). A recent collective learning initiative includes Mutual Affinities 2022 (commissioned by Creative Scotland) and the publication Art\, Migration and the Production of Radical Democratic Citizenship (co-edited with Agnes Czajka\, Rowman International – Frontiers of the Political Series\, 2022). Counterpoints Arts is one of the founding partners of Beyond the Now Collective. \n\n\n\n\nSarah Allen \nSarah is the Director of MozFest– a unique hybrid event that is part art\, tech and society convening\, part maker festival\, and the premiere gathering for activists in diverse global movements fighting for a more humane digital world. Sarah has curated digital and physical art exhibitions and workshops at the festival to help broaden perspectives\, learning and voices as we build a healthier internet and Trustworth AI.  \nMozFest is one of the founding partners of Beyond the Now Collective URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/art-community-and-the-futures-of-intangible-cultural-heritage/ CATEGORIES:Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Create-Syria-Event-with-Plymoth-University-Instagram-Post-New.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230616T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230616T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220417T153940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000077-1686873600-1686873600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Agri/cultural Practices DESCRIPTION:Workshop in Berlin on anti-racism\, arts and the environment with Mojisola Adebayo\, Asmelash Dagne and Nicole Wolf \nAre you interested in fighting racism and addressing climate injustice? \nWould you like to explore how the arts\, gardening and farming can work together? \nAre you Black\, Asian\, Indigenous\, a Person of Colour\, from a migrant background or a white person committed to anti-racism? \nIf so – read on! \nWhat is the workshop about? \nAgri/cultural practices is a practical experimental workshop that provides an introduction to Permaculture (permanent agriculture) sustainable design ethics and principles through games and exercises from Theatre of the Oppressed\, aimed at rehearsing solutions for change. Both Permaculture and Theatre of the Oppressed are informed by Indigenous\, Black and working-class knowledge and experience. This way of combining Permaculture and Theatre of the Oppressed was developed through the Neighbourhood Academy at Prinzessinnen Garden\, Berlin in 2019. However\, this workshop goes further by not only providing an introduction but focussing on anti-racism\, climate justice\, decolonizing\, addressing power structures\, understanding the link between colonialism and environmental chaos\, challenging environmental racism and exploring the potential of art. The site of the workshop is a garden in development\, and we will explore possibilities to design the garden with questions of the workshop in mind. \nWhat will we be doing? \nWe will be playing games\, doing practical exercises\, reading\, creative writing\, observing the landscape and designing\, watching theatre\, film screenings\, receiving contributions from guests\, discussing as well as enjoying the countryside\, eating healthy food and relaxing in nature. \nWhere and when will the workshop take place? \n16 June 5-9pm\, 17 & 18 June 9am-9pm\, 19 June 10am-4pm 2022 \n7-9 October 2022 there will be an optional follow up practical planting workshop activity at Gross Kreutz. \nHow much will it cost? \nThe workshop is FREE for Black\, Indigenous\, People-of-Colour\, refugees and non-white migrants. For others\, we ask for a contribution of 150-350 Euro (sliding scale). \nWho will be facilitating the workshop? \nMojisola Adebayo \nMojisola is Black-British (Yoruba/Danish) queer playwright\, performer\, producer\, facilitator\, Lecturer at Queen Mary\, University of London and research fellow at Potsdam University\, working on environmental racism through theatre. Mojisola holds a BA in Drama and Theatre Arts\, an MA in Physical Theatre\, a PhD in black queer theatre (University of London). Mojisola trained extensively with Augusto Boal and is a specialist in Theatre of the Oppressed\, working particularly in locations of conflict and crisis. She has worked in theatre\, radio and television over the past 25 years across four continents\, performing in over 50 productions\, writing\, devising and directing over 30 plays\, from Antarctica to Zimbabwe. Her own plays are concerned with racism\, climate change\, slavery\, occupation\, homophobia\, Islamaphobia\, gender-based violence and the Black Lives Matter movement. Publications include her plays in Mojisola Adebayo: Plays One and Plays Two (Oberon Books)\, 48 Minutes for Palestine (Methuen)\, The Theatre for Development Handbook (Pan\, co-written with John Martin and Manisha Mehta)\, Wind / Rush Generation(s) (in National Theatre Connections 2020\, Methuen) and Black British Queer Plays and Practitioners (Methuen\, co-edited with Lynette Goddard. Mojisola is commissioned by Counterpoints Arts. For more see www.mojisolaadebayo.co.uk \nAsmelash Dagne \nBorn and raised in Ethiopia\, qualifications include: Diploma of Integrated Natural Science (Hawassa college of Education/Ethiopia)\, Bachelor of Natural Science (Arba Minch University/Ethiopia)\, Permaculture Design Diploma (At permaculture institute of Britain/England) and Master of Science in Environmental Resources Management at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus – Senftenberg/Germany focus on utilizing renewable energy technology to ensure sustainable access tclean water\, energy and food in most vulnerable areas of the developing countries. From 2008-2013: I started my career in 2008 as an integrated natural science teacher and school “Permaculture” practitioner. In the years to come\, I have received eight regional and national prizes for remarkable achievement in creating a modal education and innovation center for sustainable integrated natural resource management in Ethiopia. From 2014-2016: I worked as “Permaculture” trainer and consultant for SMART-Ethiopia (Sustainable Management of Alternative and Renewable Technologies). Trained over 2000 farmers\, students\, teachers\, and agriculture extension workers in collaboration with various stakeholders (CISS – Ethiopia\, LVIA – international\, Slow Food International\, and others). 2017 – 2018: I worked as assistant general manager at SMART – Ethiopia to install and manage seven solar water pumps to ensure sustainable access to water\, energy\, and food. Trained farmers and extension work on integrated resource management. Since 2019 I have been Involved in planning and designing a multi years project on Agroforestry for sustainable development of human and nature in rural Ethiopia as external consultant\, Environmental consultant and trainer @ EcoPhi Renewables Engineering GabH. See https://bestecodesign.wordpress.com/ \nNicole Wolf \nNicole is a white queer German researcher\, writer and Senior Lecturer in Visual Cultures (Goldsmiths\, University of London) living in Berlin and London. Her background is in exploring political cinemas for their capacity to resist what is deemed to be real and to imagine otherwise. Much of her research and thinking is inspired and informed by artistic and activist practices in South Asia\, including in military occupied Kashmir. Nicole started training in Permaculture in 2014 (at Ecodharma\, facilitated by Alfred Decker and Caspar Brown)\, followed by two PC teacher trainings including Rosemary Morrow’s course in Srinagar\, Kashmir. Since then she has been passionate about connecting her interest in critical ecologies\, anti-colonial environmentalisms\, permaculture and creative practice\, exploring agriculture as resistance practice and what a cinematics of the soil might be. Collective learning and making processes which draw on diverse knowledges are crucial for all of these questions. Nicole’s participation in ‘Living Archive – Archive Work as a Contemporary Artistic Practice’ and ‘Archive ausser sich’ (both projects by Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art\, Berlin) included research and writing for the restoration of film works by Yugantar\, the first feminist film collective in India (1980-83) as well as the development of “Soil – City- Solidarity”\, an interdisciplinary urban permaculture design course\, and the symposium “’Tell me what matter was the ground’ – Repair beyond redemption”. Publications can be found here: https://www.gold.ac.uk/visual-cultures/n-wolf/ \nOther practical information \nSchedule: \n• Thursday 16 June\, arrival from 2pm is welcome. The workshop will be from 5pm-9pm (including mealtime) \n• Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June 9am-9pm (with breaks\, meals and optional evening programme) \n• Sunday 19 June 10am-4pm (with breaks and mealtime) \nOctober follow up: This will be a chance to get hands on experience by planting an agro forest in 7-9 October\, 2022. Friday evening: get together and follow up of June Workshop. Saturday: 9am-9pm\, Sunday 10am-4pm: guided planting activities with short inputs and sharings. \nParticipants are warmly encouraged to attend both parts but if necessary\, participants can just attend the June workshop. \nAccommodation: Ideally all participants will stay at the workshop site. Accommodation will be simple\, clean and basic – camping and indoor shared spaces. It is possible to rent private holiday apartments next door (extra cost). \nTransport: Train from Berlin to Gross Kreutz takes 40 minutes. A minibus will be provided from the station to the workshop / accommodation. Driving to the venue and parking is possible. \nFood\, cooking and cleaning: Vegan / vegetarian food will be provided by an on-site cook. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. All participants are expected to share in tasks such as food preparation and cleaning up after meals. \nMaximum number of participants: 16. The majority of participants will be Black\, Asian\, Indigenous and or People-of-Colour. Part of the work will be in smaller groups and break out groups can be facilitated. \nLanguage: English\, with German translation if needed. \nChildcare: Please let us know if you require childcare and we will try to support this. \nAccess: Unfortunately\, the venue is currently not yet accessible to wheelchairs. However\, do get in touch to discuss your access needs and we will try to facilitate participation. We will apply a Covid-19 safety policy\, even if current laws don’t require that. \nCosts: The workshop is free for Black\, Asian\, Indigenous people\, People of Colour\, refugees and non-white migrants to Germany. For others\, we ask for a solidarity ticket of 150-350 Euro (depending on what you can afford). This covers full participation\, food\, camping/dorm accomodation and will support others. If you are not able to pay the minimum but wish to attend\, do get in touch to discuss possibilities! \nPartners: This workshop is made possible through Counterpoints Arts (as part of our Across Borders programme funded by Comic Relief) and Havel Kranich. \nFull details\, including how to apply : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/agricultural-practices-tickets-321395110427 URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/agri-cultural-practices/ CATEGORIES:Sustainability & Climate Justice ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/agricultural.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230617T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230617T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20170609T095334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000324-1686960000-1686960000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Learning Lab: The Politics of Hospitality and the Refuge City DESCRIPTION:Learning Lab takes its inspiration from artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa’s installation Refugees Welcome\, which will be located in front of the York Minster from 11- 4:00 pm on Saturday 17th June. \nMripa is traveling around the UK with a Luton tail lift van\, called Refugees Welcome\, to engage people in everyday conversations about ‘welcome’. She performs her memories of being warmly welcomed as a refugee from Kosovo in the late 1990s as a prompt for conversations. Is this performance\, agitprop\, site-specic installation or activism? Alketa embraces all these labels and more! \nThe Politics of Hospitality and the Refuge City comprises a series of films\, a public conversation with Mripa and a panel discussion about the role of arts and culture in opening up spaces for civic action\, the values of everyday human rights and urban sanctuary. \nContributors include among others: Maggie O’Neill (Sociology – University of York)\, Simon Parker (Refugee Action York and Politics – University of York)\, Alice Nah (Centre for Applied Human Rights – University of York)\, Jan Haaken (Portland State University)\, Almir Koldzic\, Áine O’Brien\, Nelli Stavropoulou\, Alketa Xhafa Mripa (Counterpoints Arts)\, Emily Riddle (The Art House\, Wakefield) and Paul Wordsworth (City of Sanctuary\, York). \nLearning Lab also includes a poster display and exhibition produced by students from the Departments of Politics\, History\, English and Related Studies and Economics\, University of York. The Exhibition will be open and will include a reception from 5.00 – 5:30 pm. \n\n\n\n\nSaturday 17th June \nRefugees Welcome installation: 11.00-4.00pm\, York Minster \nExhibition and drinks reception: 5.00 – 5.30pm\, King’s Manor Common Room \nLearning Lab on The Politics of Hospitality and the Refuge City: 5.30 -7.15pm\, King’s Manor Huntington Room \nYork Learning Lab Poster Invitation URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/learning-lab-the-politics-of-hospitality-and-the-refuge-city/ CATEGORIES:Learning END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230617T000000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230617T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230522T055611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000020-1686960000-1686960000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Dear Laila - Basel Zaraa DESCRIPTION:Kirklees Council presents Dear Laila for Refugee Week \n“Dear Laila\, you are five now and have started to ask me where I grew up\, and why we can’t go there. This is me trying to give you an answer.” \nThe seeds of Dear Laila were planted when Basel’s five-year-old daughter Laila began to ask him about his home growing up. Unable to take her there\, he decided he would try to bring the place to her\, by creating a model of his childhood home in Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus. \nDear Laila shares the Palestinian experience of displacement and struggle through the story of one family. Using retelling of memories and tactile details\, it explores how war and exile are experienced through the everyday\, the domestic\, and the public space – to bring this now destroyed place to life. \nCredits: \nCommissioned by Good Chance Theatre\, with support from Arts Council England\nTranslator and script editor: Emily Churchill Zaraa\nSound engineer: Pete Churchill\nPhoto credit: Mohab Mohamed \nThis production in Kirklees for Refugee Week commissioned by Counterpoints Arts. \nVenues\, timings and booking arrangements to be confirmed. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/dear-laila-basel-zaraa/ CATEGORIES:Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Dear-Laila-c-Mohab-Mohamed-7-scaled-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230619T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230619T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220609T130552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000055-1687172400-1687194000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:V&A Drop-in Design: Stitching Borders DESCRIPTION:Part of Refugee Week and The Great Exhibition Road Festival. \nCome together to share stories and notions of migration as we collectively create a hand-embroidered tablecloth border. Bring along trinkets\, swatches or buttons to add to our collaborative creation! Led by artist Aya Haidar\, this free\, drop-in workshop is an opportunity for all ages to share and make together as part of Refugee Week and the Great Exhibition Road Festival. \nThis event is free and supported by Art Jameel. Found out more at the V&A website. \nImage: Soleless series\, Aya Haidar\, 2018 URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/drop-in-design-stitching-borders/ CATEGORIES:Craft & Design ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/drop-in-design-stitching-borders_960.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230619T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230624T050000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230522T085225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144959Z UID:10000013-1687176000-1687582800@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Afghani War Rugs Reimagined DESCRIPTION:“Afghani War Rugs Reimagined\,” a thought-provoking visual art exhibition by artist Ghafar Tajmohammad will run at the Yorkton Workshop in Hackney from June 19th until June 24th\, commissioned by Counterpoints Arts\, supported by Arts Council England and partnered with Afghan Association London Harrow. \nThe exhibition invites visitors to explore Ghafar Tajmohammad’s personal reinterpretations of Afghan War Rugs. Through a unique blend of art and oral history the exhibition showcases expanded paintings\, handwoven rugs\, and engaging audio and text narratives that go beyond the pictorial symbols of conflict and violence\, to examine instead the lived migration elements of the Afghan diaspora in the UK. \nDelve into the rich tapestry of Afghan culture and gain insight into the experiences of the multigenerational Afghan diaspora living in the UK. \nThis exhibition serves as a response to the recent events surrounding the Fall of Kabul in August 2021\, aiming to preserve memories and encourage dialogue between cultures. \nAbout the artist \nGhafar Tajmohammad is a visual artist who works primarily in painting\, but extends beyond the conventional practice and into the realm of expanded painting; allowing the artwork to exist as installation pieces. This approach allows the artist to stress the inherent textile materiality of raw canvas and connect with the rich culture of textiles and carpet weaving. Within the artwork\, recognisable motifs\, imagery\, and geometry fuse to form narratives suggestive of dual identities from lived experiences.\nConceptually\, the artistic practice reflects upon the idea of home for migrant communities. It express the abstract search for belonging and the experiences of those made to relocate. As a British Afghan who was displaced as a child\, Ghafar’s work is community-orientated focus and in his first solo exhibition chooses to advocate for the Afghan diaspora voices so often unheard. \nThe exhibition is part of Refugee Week 2023 which has the theme of “Compassion”. \nGhafar Tajmohammad on living in the UK during the ‘Fall of Kabul’ on August 15 2021: \n“The news headline THE FALL OF KABUL was displayed in the digital billboard at Charing Cross station just above the entrance for platform 1. \nSeeing that broke me. \nUntil then\, I kept maintaining to everyone that I was okay and that my family was okay. I shrugged off a comment a few days ago by a visitor calling me ‘whitewashed’ for not being angry enough. I nodded understandably as a charity that worked on the grounds in Afghanistan\, told me that we would have to cancel our part time design project due to the growing turmoil. I ignored messages of support from friends. \nBut seeing that headline brought me right back to my 9 year old self who knew little about the war\, but even less about his home.” \nTom Green\, Senior Producer at Counterpoints Arts says: \n“We’re so excited to have been involved in commissioning this new exhibition from Ghafar Tajmohammad. He’s a thoughtful and innovative artist who brings a much needed perspective on connections between Afghanistan and Britain\, in the context of displacement. We can’t wait for people to have a chance to see this new work and to share their responses to it.” \nVisitors can participate in four special events – reserve free tickets via Eventbrite \nWorkshop: Conflict Textiles \nDate: June 19th\, 11:00-15:00 PM \nDescription: Conflict Textiles curator Roberta Bacic will facilitate a ‘hands on’ textile workshop linked to the Afghani War Rugs Reimagined exhibition and Refugee Week. \nPrivate View: \nDate: June 22nd\, 6:00-9:00 PM \nDescription: Join us for an exclusive Private View of “Afghani War Rugs Reimagined” exhibition. This event offers an opportunity to explore Ghafar Tajmohammad’s captivating artworks until late hours\, accompanied by refreshment. Experience the exhibition in a lively setting and a chance to meet and hear from the artist. \nDrop-in Rug Weaving Workshop: \nDate: Throughout the exhibition period \nDescription: Engage with the interactive installation of a large loom during the Drop-in Rug Weaving Workshop. Witness the transformation of the artwork as the loom gradually becomes more complete over the course of the exhibition. Join artist Ghafar Tajmohammad in this immersive experience where you can actively participate in the weaving process. Visit the workshop during gallery hours to be part of this unique artistic endeavor. \nPanel Discussion on Afghan Art and Artists featuring Lazo Studio: \nDate: June 24th\, 1pm \nDescription: Join artist Ghafar Tajmohammad\, Hedieh Wojgani and Naseer Yasna for a stimulating Panel Discussion on Afghan Art and Artists. Hear from active members of the Afghan creative community about the cultural significance of Afghan art in this bilingual event\, provided in English and Dari. Gain insights from Ghafar Tajmohammad for his reinterpretations of Afghan War Rugs\, and discover the artistic vision of Lazo Studios\, an art\, design\, and wood crafting atelier founded by Hedieh and Naseer who worked in Afghanistan. Limited tickets are available for this talk\, which will feature catered traditional Afghan food. \nFor media inquiries and further information regarding this exhibition\, please contact: \nGhafar Tajmohammad\, Artist\nGhaf.taj@gmail.com\n07923886395 \nTom Green\, Senior Producer\, Counterpoints Arts\ntom@counterpoints.org.uk\n02081673501 \nFor more information about the artist\, please visit:\nWebsite: Ghafar Tajmohammad\nSocial Media: Ghaf.™ \nHigh-resolution images and additional press materials are available upon request. \nNotes For Editors\nWhere and When\nYorkton Workshop\,\n1-3 Yorkton St\, London E2 8NH\nJune 19th to 24th 2023 (not 20th)\nOpening hours and admission \nThe exhibition is open from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th (not 20th) from 12 noon – 5pm\, with the exception of Private View which opens until 9pm. Supported by Pearson Lloyd. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/afghani-war-rugs-reimagined/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AWR2-02.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230620T120000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230620T150000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230518T113601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000022-1687262400-1687273200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Arts\, Refugees & Mental Health - report launch DESCRIPTION:Counterpoints Arts has been commissioned by The Baring Foundation to write the latest in a series of research reports about arts and mental health\, this time looking at the provision for refugees and asylum seekers. \nCreatively Minded and Refugees – Arts\, refugees and mental health will be launched at Yorkton Workshops in London on 20th June as part of Refugee Week in an event running from 12 noon to 2.30pm. \nThe report features case studies of 12 organisations running arts programmes for refugees and asylum seekers that have a focus on mental health\, along with some key learning and suggestions for further research. \nA copy of the report will be available on the Baring Foundation website from 20th June. \nThe event is invite only but if you are interested in finding our more about the event and possibly attending please contact hello@counterpoints.org.uk \nImage courtesy of Art Refuge. \nLaunch event supported byPearson Lloyd URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/arts-refugees-and-mental-health-report-launch/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Learning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ArtRefuge_TheCommunityTable_typing-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230620T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230620T180000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230518T123331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000021-1687284000-1687284000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Name Me Lawand DESCRIPTION:Film premiere + discussion with director Edward Lovelace and Steve Crump OBE\, founder and chair of Deaf Kidz International \nCompassion lies at the heart of this compelling story of the power of language. \nDirector \nEdward Lovelace \nWith \nLawand Hamad Amin\, Rawa Hamad Amin \nUK 2022. 82min \nEnglish\, Kurdish and BSL with English subtitles \nA BFI release \nConvinced of the potential of their deaf son\, a Kurdish family leave Iraq and finally arrive in Derby\, where Lawand joins the Royal School for the Deaf Derby. Empowered with British Sign Language\, he reveals himself as a witty and popular student\, while his family navigate a new common language and fight to remain in the community that has embraced them. Director Edward Lovelace (The Possibilities Are Endless) spent years alongside Lawand and his family\, to produce this striking\, affecting portrait. On World Refugee Day we are proud to present this powerful documentary\, highlighting the importance of community and the transformative effect of finding your voice. \nAudio Description available at this screening. \nThe screening will be presented with subtitles for the deaf and people experiencing hearing loss. \nWe aim to make this event fully accessible. \nPresented by the BFI in partnership with Counterpoints Arts. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/name-me-lawand/ CATEGORIES:Film and Photography ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NameMeLawandposter.155444.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230621T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230621T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220517T100319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000072-1687305600-1687305600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Alter by Distanced Assemblage DESCRIPTION:Seven interactive\, movable sculptures fill Southbank Centre spaces with sound and colour\, representing stories of migration\, for Refugee Week 2022.\n  \nThe sculptures are designed to be manoeuvred by both performers and the audience. \nParia Goodarzi and Francisco Llinas Casas respond to contemporary social\, political and cultural issues with reference to our society and ideas of identity. \nTheir work is inspired by the rich history of Southbank Centre and notions of refuge and displacement. \nBorn in Iran and Venezuela respectively\, their work draws inspiration from the lived experiences of migration and diaspora. Their practice is research-based and multidisciplinary\, often taking the shape of socially-engaged art projects\, participatory art and performance pieces. \nThroughout the exhibition there is the opportunity to meet the artists\, get to know more about their work and take part in creative workshops responding to the piece. \nCo-commissioned by Southbank Centre and Counterpoints Arts. \n  \nYou can see Alter at these times and locations: \nTuesday 21 June: 10am – 4pm (Exhibition Space\, Level 1\, Royal Festival Hall) \nWednesday 22 June: 10am – 6pm (Exhibition Space\, Level 1\, Royal Festival Hall) \nThursday 23 June: 10am – 6pm (Exhibition Space\, Level 1\, Royal Festival Hall) \nFriday 24 June: 12 – 7pm (The Clore Ballroom\, Level 2\, Royal Festival Hall) \nSaturday 25 June: 10 – 7pm (The Clore Ballroom\, Level 2\, Royal Festival Hall) \nSunday 26 June: 10 – 4pm (The Clore Ballroom\, Level 2\, Royal Festival Hall) \n  \nThroughout the exhibition there is the opportunity to meet the artists\, get to know more about their work and take part in creative workshops responding to the piece. There are also two performances. Please see individual event listings for further details. \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/alter-by-distanced-assemblage/ CATEGORIES:Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CA.DigitalSketches-1-02.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230623T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230623T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230605T114541Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000323-1687478400-1687478400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Windfalls - Falling Fruit (Berlin) DESCRIPTION:Saxophonist and singer Conny Ottinger brings together musicians of different roots in her new band project: jazz pianist Reggie Moore (USA)\, folk bassist Michael Jach (D) and improvisational percussionist Martin von Allmen (CH). Conny\, who came from Poland to Germany as a child\, revisited Slavic languages through singing\, and in this project combines her love for the depth of Eastern European music\, jazz and Alpine yodelling. \nIn this special performance at Die Holzbläser on Friday 23 June at 20:00 as part of Refugee Week Berlin\, four additional musicians of refugee and migratory background will join Conny and the band on stage. \nConny says about the story behind the title: ‘At school\, I think in the ninth or tenth grade\, we were all supposed to design a record cover for our band\, if we were ever to have one. I don’t remember the name of my band any more\, but the title of my record was “Falling Fruit” – I drew a tree with saxophones hanging from it\, like apples\, and a few were falling down from the tree.’ \nWhat new fruit flavour will come out of the encounter with the four different musical paths and their guests this evening? \nRefugee Week Berlin is produced by Counterpoints Arts. See the full programme URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/windfalls-falling-fruit-berlin/ CATEGORIES:Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_529090599_131989282460_1_original.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230623T173000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230623T190000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230516T064638Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000036-1687541400-1687546800@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home comedy in Nottingham DESCRIPTION:For Nottingham Refugee Week\, a special stand-up comedy gig from our No Direction Home collective. \n“The evening will kick off at 5.30 with beautiful free food and drink from the Syrian Vegan Kitchen and a chance to mingle before the gig starts at 6pm. Join us for the most fun you’ll have in the hostile environment this year… Because sometimes\, it’s better to laugh than cry.” \nNo Direction Home was established by Counterpoints Arts with Camden People’s Theatre and top stand-up Tom Parry\, who has mentored the group. \nThey have already won over audiences in a variety of venues in London and around the country\, and have now secured their first West End run. \nTV comic and stand-up Nish Kumar\, says: “The No Direction Home comedians are a very exciting\, interesting and creative bunch of people to be around. And they are very funny. The material is really good.” URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-comedy-in-nottingham/ CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CA_NoDirectionHome_NishKumar_20Jan19-107.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230623T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230623T200000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230602T073254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T145000Z UID:10000018-1687545000-1687550400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:The Art Persists: Live Podcast and Music DESCRIPTION:Bosla Arts and Counterpoints Arts are hosting the first ever live podcast recording of The Art Persists Podcast\, featuring artists Laura Nyahuye\, Ghafar Tajmohammad\, and Olga Tkachenko\, hosted by Georgia Beeston. \nThe live podcast will draw on Nyahuye’s exhibition\, Resilience: Friend or Foe?\, and Bosla Art’s latest issue Beyond Resilience. Together\, we will examine role of resilience and its limitations in each of the artists’ contexts; from addressing social issues through art\, to the Afghan diaspora experience\, and finally escaping war in Ukraine. The conversation will uncover each artist’s practice and explore solidarity action between countries and contexts. \nThe event will be followed by a Q&A and a performance by Syrian musician USTAVI. After the event attendees will be invited to stay for drinks and a social. \nFull details and booking via Eventbrite \nSupported by Pearson Lloyd \n \n \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/the-art-persists-live-podcast-and-music/ CATEGORIES:Learning,Multi-Art Form ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3faccf8e-8920-4e5c-b9ac-f8ca9c5f7244-e1686581327737.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230623T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230623T203000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230602T140104Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144959Z UID:10000017-1687546800-1687552200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:BAFTA Lecture: Hassan Akkad DESCRIPTION:Following a screening of his short film Matar\, which tells the story of a Syrian asylum seeker living on the fringes of society\, hear from BAFTA-winning filmmaker and refugee rights activist Hassan Akkad\, as he shares his own experiences of fleeing conflict in Syria in 2015\, and subsequent work as a filmmaker in the UK. \nThe first in a series of events delivered in collaboration with BAFTA\, which aims to explore the importance of authentic storytelling of refugees onscreen\, and the positive impact of collaboration with creatives who have lived experience of migration\, in order to build narrative power and create social change. \nHassan’s lecture will be followed by a moderated Q&A. \nPlease join us after this event for some informal networking drinks in the Reuben Gallery from 20.30 – 22.00 BST. \nHassan Akkad is an award-winning filmmaker and creative director at Choose Love. He co-directed Netflix’s Convergence: Courage in a Crisis (2021) and was the associate producer of the Netflix film The Swimmers. Hassan’s short film\, Matar\, which he co-wrote and directed was released on WaterBear in 2023 and produced by Deadbeat Films. Hassan was part of the team that made Exodus: Our Journey to Europe which won a BAFTA for Best Factual Series in 2017. \nBAFTA is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film\, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops\, masterclasses\, scholarships\, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK\, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence\, discovers\, inspires and nurtures new talent\, and enables learning and creative collaboration. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726). URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/bafta-lecture-hassan-akkad/ CATEGORIES:Film and Photography ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hassan-Akkad.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230624T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230625T000000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220517T103829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144959Z UID:10000071-1687564800-1687651200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Alter: Brought to Life DESCRIPTION:Members of the public will be invited to interact with Alter\, an exhibition of seven sculptures featuring movement\, light and sound.\n  \nAlter has been co-commissioned by the Southbank Centre and Counterpoints Arts for the Southbank Centre’s public spaces during Refugee Week 2022. \nThe work consists of seven interactive\, movable sculptures featuring light and sound. As the sculptures are manoeuvred by both performers and the audience\, the space of the Southbank Centre is permeated with traces of sound and colour\, representing stories of migration. \nThe piece is created by Paria Moazemi Goodarzi and Francisco Llinas Casas\, and was inspired by the rich history of the Southbank Centre and notions of refuge and displacement. \nApproximate run time: 15 mins. Run times may vary by up to 20 minutes as they can be affected by last-minute programme changes\, intervals and encores. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/alter-brought-to-life/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CA.DigitalSketches-1-03-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230624T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230627T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230718T104829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144958Z UID:10000008-1687597200-1687885200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:CompassionART DESCRIPTION:Nucleus Arts presents an exhibition at the Halpern Gallery in Rochester by three artists for Refugee Week\, in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts. \nCompassionART features work by Kent-based artists Olesia Serohina\, Vladislav Zadorozhny and Farida Yesmin \nMore information is on the Halpern Pop Facebook page \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/compassionart/ LOCATION:The Halpern Pop\, Rochester\, Kent\, The Halpern Pop\, Rochester\, Kent\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/halpern.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230624T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230624T210000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20230515T091656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144959Z UID:10000037-1687604400-1687640400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:I'd search forever\, I want to remember DESCRIPTION:A project by Tamara Al-Mashouk \nAn all day multidisciplinary exhibition at a disused citadel in Dover featuring performance\, workshops guided tours and food. \nJoin us for a day in which Tamara Al-Mashouk and collaborators take over a disused Citadel exhibiting a wave machine + sound score\, a three-channel film and a photographic series. \nSet in a fortress built in the 1700s on the cliffs of Dover\, the day-long programme features a dance performance\, workshops and food. The day culminates with an audience-participatory performance that makes space for collective remembering. \nThe work presented is the result of a gathering of artists thinking and organising together. Manon Schwich\, Sami El-Enany\, Parker Heyl\, Angus Frost\, Lorella Bianco and Fadi Giha join Al-Mashouk in considering sites of solace within embodied experiences of hyper-politicisation. \nI’d search forever\, I want to remember is the culmination of a body of work that began in 2018 with a 10.5 hour durational performance by Al-Mashouk called Can you die if you don’t exist? where she read the names of 34\,361 refugees who died on their way to Europe off The List (published by The Guardian\, 2018). The performance was for Deeplab and commissioned by Mediale. \nI’d search forever\, I want to remember is in commissioned by Counterpoints Arts and Arts Council England and co-commissioned by Shubbak Festival. \nIn partnership with: Dover Arts Development\, The Citadel\, Refugee Week\, Samphire\, Future Foundry and SENSE. \nPRESS RELEASE_I’d search forever\, I want to remember URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/id-search-forever-i-want-to-remember/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Multi-Art Form,Performance & Dance,Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Insta-post_square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230624T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230624T220000 DTSTAMP:20260429T215315 CREATED:20220615T051117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T144959Z UID:10000047-1687631400-1687644000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:V&A Friday Late: On The Verge DESCRIPTION:This Friday Late features a programme curated by BLM Fest\, commissioned by Counterpoints Arts and the V&A during Refugee Week 2022. BLM Fest was founded by Kayza Rose\, and is a celebration of Black lives. BLM Fest is an invitation for everyone to take part and an exciting model of cultural production that fairly compensates Black people for their ideas\, time and labour. \nMasculinity does not exist\, only masculinities. Identity doesn’t exist\, only identities. We live in a promising world of gender expression and exploration\, where how you define yourself can take on multiple forms. In this plural world\, On the Verge explores the tipping point\, highlighting the artists\, designers\, and performers\, questioning the norms of masculine and feminine identity and the possibilities to come. Let a thousand genders bloom. \n\n@blmfest \n\n\nAll events are free\, and places are designated on a first-come-first-serve basis unless stated otherwise. Filming and photography will take place at this event. If you have any access requirements\, please let us know in advance by emailing disability@vam.ac.uk \n\nPlease note\, if the V&A reaches capacity\, it will allow access on a one-in\, one-out basis.\n\n\n\n\nFull Friday Late  programme and map of the Museum is HERE. BLM Fest x Counterpoints programme:\n\n\n\n\nBlack Queer History (B)\n\n\nPoetry Workshop \nEurope 1600–1815 Galleries \nThe Salon\, Room 4 \n18.45\, 19.45\, 20.45\, drop in \nPoet\, educator\, cultural curator and activist\, PJ Samuels leads  this workshop where you’ll work together to interrogate issues of autonomy\, race\, gender\, patriarchy and identity and explore belonging. Originally from Jamaica\, she is passionately vocal about human rights\, mental wellness\, stigmatisation and inequalities. PJ Samuels founded ‘Weather the Storm’\, an LGBTI Refugee peer support group she started in 2015. \n@pjsamuelspoet \n  \nA Taste of London Ballroom (C) \nThe Raphael Cartoons\, \nRoom 48a \nTalk at 19.15\, Workshop at 19.45\, \nPerformance at 20.45 \nA 3-part dip into Ballroom and the art of Voguing hosted by Kayza Rose. Delve into the living roots of UK Ballroom with a history lesson by London’s OG Harliyana 007. Then let your body do the talking as Pop-Dip-Spin extraordinaire Bronze 007 teaches a beginner’s voguing workshop. Followed by a performance by Tiffany 007\, aka The Banji C*nt (She/They)\, and Bronze 007. \n@kayza_rose \n@swarovskibae_ \n@tiffany.the.mannequin \n@groingthroughit \n  \nScreening of VISIBLE and Panel Discussion (E) \nHochhauser Auditorium\, \nSackler Centre for arts education \n18.30\, 19.00\, 19.30\, 20.00\, 21.00 \nPanel discussion at 20.30 \nFilm duration: 20 minutes \nVISIBLE\, directed by Campbell X and produced by Kayza Rose\, challenges common misconceptions about LGBTQI+ Black and People of Colour. The film calls upon inspirational ancestors\, contemporary artists and activists working to challenge mainstream perceptions and the sanitisation of LGBTQI+ legacies. At 20.30\, hear from founding director of Mzz Kimberley’s LIFE\, Kim Tatum; writer and performer Keith Jarrett; and international athlete and advocate for diversity and inclusion\, Corinne Humphreys in a panel discussion chaired by Kayza Rose\, founding Director of BLM Fest. \n@campbellx \n@kayza_rose \n@keithjlondon \n@cdhumphreys \n@mzzkimberley \n  \nMemoirs of a Masculine Man (G) \nThe John Madejski Garden \nDurational performance throughout the evening Rwandese born\, British movement-based artist\, Ishimwa Muhimanyi delivers a site-specific performance in the central garden of the museum. For Ishimwa\, masculinity is synonymous with fragility. Ishimwa’s work will explore the cracks in the masculine. Butt cracks\, emotional cracks\, spiritual cracks\, and temperamental cracks. Using movement\, fashion and furniture\, Ishimwa will take you on a journey of a man. \n@ishimwa \n\n\n  \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/friday-late/ CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Film and Photography,Performance & Dance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Kayza-Rose-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR