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: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240811T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240811T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240806T142440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240808T135734Z UID:10000451-1723381200-1723395600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Acting with Love & Solidarity at Southbank Centre - with Tasnim Mahdy and Riwa Saab DESCRIPTION:On the final day of Counterpoints Arts’ weekend you are invited to join artist Tasnim Mahdy in a collaborative workshop exploring themes of memory\, archives and re-emerging narratives through cyanotypes – a type of artwork made using the UV rays of the sun to create unique pieces of textiles. \nThen end the day experiencing a performance by Riwa Saab\, reflecting on the life of Syrian singer Asmahan\, whose life and legacy are told through music\, words and movement. \nRiwa Saab is a cross-disciplinary artist who works with space\, sound and words. Through braiding together the crafts of theatre\, poetry and music\, she explores the diasporic experience of building cultural bridges\, unpacks generational and familial baggage\, and creates space for pockets of joy. \nAsmahan: An Unbridled Voice by Riwa Saab is a multidisciplinary performance piece exploring the secrets\, truths and fallacies that get spun into gossip\, the inseparability of art and politics\, and a woman’s insistence on liberation. These themes are unravelled through the journey of Asmahan\, the Syrian singer who reached great heights with her enigmatic voice and captivating presence\, all while challenging the barriers of both colonialism and tradition. \nSchedule\n1pm – 5.30pm: cyanotype workshop with Tasnim Mahdy\n5.30pm – 6pm: performance of Asmahan: An Unbridled Voice by Riwa Saab \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis summer\, Southbank Centre is collaborating with a range of London-based collectives and organisations to curate the Riverside Stage in response to the theme of our season\, You Belong Here\, enabling these collaborators to welcome different audiences and recognise how they want and choose to belong at the Southbank Centre. See our events pages for the rest of the weekend’s programme. \nImage: Shona Goolab\, Refugee Week at Yorkton Workshops URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/tasnim-mahdy-acting-with-love-solidarity-at-southbank-centre/ LOCATION:Riverside Terrace\, Level 2\, Southbank Centre\, London\, SE1 8XZ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Sustainability & Climate Justice ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MG_8524.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240815T194500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240817T210000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240530T112156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240815T124911Z UID:10000419-1723751100-1723928400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Refugee! by Aisha Zia DESCRIPTION:An archive for future generations. \nCollect\, document\, what have you witnessed? \nRefugee! is a new political\, devised theatre piece written by Aisha Zia and the Company and is a work in development. Weaving together urgent\, important interviews\, conversations and real-life testimonies from the performers\, migrant\, refugee and sanctuary seeking communities. \nSet on an ancient burial ground\, where the UK is now a crime scene\, four characters in search of belonging. Under the rubble they find evidence of hope and humanity\, and our own government’s complicity to war crimes. \nKey Theatre (Peterborough) 15-17 August \nRoundabout @ Summerhall (Edinburgh): 22-24 August \nPerformed by: Elina Akhmetov\, Adi Detemo\, Sara Diab\, Alaa Shehada \nWriter Aisha Zia | Director Maisie Newman| Associate Director Neetu Singh | Composer & Sound Designer Ben Osborn & Jovana Backovic | Lighting Designer Gillian Tan| Set & Costume Designer Charlotte Henery | Choreographer Seke Chimutengwende | Voice Coach Gurkiran Kaur | Dramatherapist Wabriya King | Dramaturgical Consultant Grace Gummer | Stage Manager Jehan Rizqallah | Production Manager Carrie Croft | Associate Production Manager James Christensen | Costume Supervisor Delyth Evans | Artwork and Photography Kalpesh Lathigra | Creative Producers Nada Sabet & Marcus Berdaut | Communities Producer Anita Nayyar | Researcher Katie Dancey-Downs | Videographer Beatriz Sa | Marketing Rising Agency | PR SM Publicity \nProduced by 62 Gladstone Street in association with Landmark Theatres and co-commissioned by Counterpoints Arts. Thanks to Arts Council England\, Metal Peterborough\, Refugee Week\, Paines Plough\, HighTide Theatre\, the Peggy Ramsay Foundation\, the Aziz Foundation and Necessity. \nWith thanks to all the community participants who took part in the development of the play in Peterborough and Bournemouth. With special thanks to Community partners supporting migrants & refugees in Peterborough; H.E.L.P\, GLADCA and SOS.LT. And in Bournemouth; The Lighthouse Foundation. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/refugee-by-aisha-zia/ LOCATION:Key Theatre\, Peterborough\, Embankment Road\, Peterborough\, PE1 1EF\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/refugee-by-Aisha-Zia.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240822T231000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240825T235500 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240819T130120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T130833Z UID:10000454-1724368200-1724630100@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Refugee! by Aisha Zia DESCRIPTION:An archive for future generations. \nCollect\, document\, what have you witnessed? \nRefugee! is a new political\, devised theatre piece written by Aisha Zia and the Company and is a work in development. Weaving together urgent\, important interviews\, conversations and real-life testimonies from the performers\, migrant\, refugee and sanctuary seeking communities. \nSet on an ancient burial ground\, where the UK is now a crime scene\, four characters in search of belonging. Under the rubble they find evidence of hope and humanity\, and our own government’s complicity to war crimes. \nRoundabout @ Summerhall (Edinburgh): 22-25 August \nPerformed by: Elina Akhmetov\, Adi Detemo\, Sara Diab\, Alaa Shehada \nWriter Aisha Zia | Director Maisie Newman| Associate Director Neetu Singh | Composer & Sound Designer Ben Osborn & Jovana Backovic | Lighting Designer Gillian Tan| Set & Costume Designer Charlotte Henery | Choreographer Seke Chimutengwende | Voice Coach Gurkiran Kaur | Dramatherapist Wabriya King | Dramaturgical Consultant Grace Gummer | Stage Manager Jehan Rizqallah | Production Manager Carrie Croft | Associate Production Manager James Christensen | Costume Supervisor Delyth Evans | Artwork and Photography Kalpesh Lathigra | Creative Producers Nada Sabet & Marcus Berdaut | Communities Producer Anita Nayyar | Researcher Katie Dancey-Downs | Videographer Beatriz Sa | Marketing Rising Agency | PR SM Publicity \nProduced by 62 Gladstone Street in association with Landmark Theatres and co-commissioned by Counterpoints Arts. Thanks to Arts Council England\, Metal Peterborough\, Refugee Week\, Paines Plough\, HighTide Theatre\, the Peggy Ramsay Foundation\, the Aziz Foundation and Necessity. \nWith thanks to all the community participants who took part in the development of the play in Peterborough and Bournemouth. With special thanks to Community partners supporting migrants & refugees in Peterborough; H.E.L.P\, GLADCA and SOS.LT. And in Bournemouth; The Lighthouse Foundation. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/refugee-by-aisha-zia-2/ LOCATION:Roundabout\, Summerhall\, Newington\, Edinburgh\, EH9 1PL\, United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/refugee-by-Aisha-Zia.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240824T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240824T191500 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240819T132331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T130026Z UID:10000455-1724524200-1724526900@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home at Greenbelt Festival DESCRIPTION:Our comedy collective No Direction Home is on tour at Greenbelt Festival Sat 24th August featuring Anastasia Chokuwamba\, Loraine Mponela and Selam Amare. \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home as part of our PopChange work: it’s a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nCreated in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, we have run several series of workshops and more than 25 gigs\, featuring guest headliners such as Nish Kumar\, Romesh Ranganathan\, Rosie Jones\, Rob Delaney\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Sindhu Vee. \n‘A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is ‘ ★★★★ Standard URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-at-greenbelt-festival/ LOCATION:Greenbelt Festival\, Broughton House\, Kettering\, N14 1BJ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/No-Direction-Home-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240902T173000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240903T193000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240820T212250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240820T212755Z UID:10000456-1725298200-1725391800@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:First-Generation South Asian Migrant Experience in Dorset DESCRIPTION:People of South Asian heritage who migrated to Dorset from outside the UK in the last 30 years are invited to attend a workshop that explores the first-generation migrant experience. \nThe workshops will help performance poet Aanka Batta and stand-up artist Raj Adgopul to combine a range of authentic voices with their own experiences in a performance project they are developing together. The aim is that pilot performances will take place in early 2025\, and participants at the workshops will of course be invited to attend. \nFull details and free booking https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/join-us-for-a-workshop-on-the-first-generation-south-asian-migrant-experience-in-dorset/ \nThis project is supported by Counterpoints\, Dorchester Arts\, Activate Performing Arts\, and Artsreach. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/first-generation-south-asian-migrant-experience-in-dorset/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aanka.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240906T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240908T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240904T235344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240913T113133Z UID:10000459-1725634800-1725811200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Climate & Displacement Part II: A gathering for womxn artists DESCRIPTION:A collective of womxn* dedicated to addressing the intertwined challenges of displacement\, racial justice\, and climate justice gathers for the second time\, on the Island of Portland. This 3-day gathering is organised during b-side Festival\, connecting to the Festival programme and b-side team and network. \nOur Gathering is a continuation of our shared journey with a group of womxn practitioners that began in November 2023 — one built on connections around collaboration\, creativity\, and radical care. Together\, we will continue to shape this space\, allowing our practices to speak of our own and each other’s work. It is curated in collaboration with socially engaged artist Dana Olărescu. \nOur approach for this Gathering can be grounded in Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown\, which emphasises that profound change begins with small\, intentional actions. We will embrace this philosophy as we engage in intimate\, radical conversations that plant the seeds of transformation. These dialogues—full of insight\, discomfort\, and revelation—hold the power to shape movements that confront and dismantle systems of oppression. \nOur work here is contextual\, deeply tied to the immediate tensions surrounding us\, such as the hostile environment and immigration policies symbolised by the Bibby Stockholm barge and the larger global conflicts like the ongoing genocide in Palestine\, conflicts and emergencies in Sudan\, DRC\, Yemen\, Bangladesh\, as well as countries embroiled within the continuities of colonial legacies and histories. These events are inextricably linked to our explorations of settler colonialism and environmental justice. Our partnerships with the b-side team and Dhaqan Collective\, and through their project House of Weaving Songs\, enrich our understanding of cultural memory and resilience\, particularly within the communities on the Isle of Portland and Somali communities in Bristol and elsewhere. \nA key question we will explore is how we continue to work together and also how to document these radical conversations—capturing their transformative potential in a way that resonates with broader audiences and allies. Our aim is not just to record but to craft narratives that carry forward the energy and intent of our collective work. \nThroughout our time together\, we invite you to fully engage\, rest when needed\, and bring as much of yourselves into this space as you can. Through walks\, meals\, discussions\, and reflection\, let us co-create a space where our practices can be supported and where we can envision new paths forward. \nAs adrienne maree brown reminds us\, “small is all.” Every action\, every conversation is an opportunity to shape the future we want—a future where justice\, care\, and freedom for all are central to our movements. \n*We use this term to include transgender women and nonbinary people. \nOur Programme: \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nJoining: \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nOur growing network includes the following practitioners who were part of the November 2023 gathering: \nAbigail Reynolds\, Artist \nAnnie Hall\, Counterpoints Operations Manager \nCarmel King\, Photographer \nDalia Al-Dujaili\, Writer\, Editor\, Producer \nDeborah Yewande Bankole\, Creative producer\, Strategist\, Researcher \nFarah Ahmed\, Climate Justice Organiser\, Facilitator\, Creative Producer and Curator \nGeorgia Beeston\, Co-Founder of Bosla Arts\, Senior Digital Officer at PEN International \nHenna Asikainen\, Artist \nLara Deffense\, Refugee Week UK Coordinator \nKaajal Modi\, Multidisciplinary Artist and Researcher \nMariana Pinto Leitão Pereira\, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Heritage for Global Challenges Research Centre\, University of York \nNaima Khan\, Counterpoints’ Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Director of feminist\, Muslim organisation the Inclusive Mosque Initiative \nSandy Leong\, artist \nzoë laureen palmer\, Artist\, Writer and Human Ecologist \n  \nThank you to our network\, and to our friends at b-side Festival for their support. \n  \nImage credit: Carmel King. Gathering Part 1\, at Hawkwood College\, November 2023 \n  URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/climate-displacement-part-ii-a-gathering-for-womxn-artists/ CATEGORIES:Learning,Sustainability & Climate Justice ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20231104_Counterpoint-Arts_388.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240907T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240907T153000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240905T001631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240905T001734Z UID:10000460-1725717600-1725723000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Acts of love and solidarity: Practice sharing with Dhaqan Collective and b-side festival DESCRIPTION:b-side is collaborating on Counterpoints Arts’ second gathering of womxn artists\, practitioners\, researchers\, producers and educators.\n\nHappening alongside b-side Festival\, the gathering’s primary aim is to continue to cultivate values of community-building\, solidarity\, resilience\, and to propose different forms and best practices of supporting and commissioning artists. \nDhaqan Collective’s ‘House of Weaving Songs’ is presented as part of the Festival. Starting with Dhaqan’s intersectional practice of honouring Somali heritage and the role of Somali women\, other practitioners in the Counterpoints Arts’ womxn gathering will contribute to the public conversation by sharing their own practices and experiences. The conversation will convey the urgency of climate justice challenges on the communities we work with; the need to amplify the voices and agency of womxn artists and activists\, working at the intersection of arts\, climate and displacement; explore forms of decolonising\, gathering and cooperating. \ndhaqan collective is a Somali feminist art collective led by Ayan Cilmi and Fozia Ismail. Their practice seeks to find ways of building imaginative futures that support Somali people in the UK and in East Africa to resist threats over our cultural heritage. Cilmi and Ismail are Spike Island Studio holders and Pervasive Media Studio residents in Bristol. \nb-side is an internationally recognised and locally loved arts organisation that both embodies and enriches its place of origin – the Isle of Portland in Dorset. The island is the beating heart that inspires b-side’s work\, but their projects and opportunities extend all over Dorset and beyond. b-side works with and commission artists who are as excited by the bigger picture as the smallest detail. Their current ‘Common Lands’ programme regards Portland as a microcosm to explore relationships to and with land. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/acts-of-love-and-solidarity-practice-sharing-with-dhaqan-collective-and-b-side-festival/ LOCATION:Old Engine Shed Incline Rd\, Grove\, Portland DT5 1DB\, UK CATEGORIES:Community & Participation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/b-side-53201614480_9bc474498b_c-e1721143628145.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240921T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240921T153000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240905T113415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T075043Z UID:10000461-1726916400-1726932600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Interweaving threads of migration and climate justice DESCRIPTION:Explore the interwoven connections between the climate crisis\, migration\, culture\, tradition and memory in a day of talks and listening sessions. \nThis is a partnership between the Eden Project\, Art Reach and Counterpoints Arts\, bringing artists Dhaqan Collective and Kaajal Modi to the Eden Project for a public programme exploring the themes of migration and climate justice. \nThese talks and sessions are free with valid Eden admission. For further information about this event please email art@edenproject.com. \n  \nAbove the desert and below the water: panel discussion \nTime:  11am–12.30pm\nLocation: Tipi \n  \n \n  \nJoin us for a panel discussion addressing the themes of migration and climate justice in relation to oral traditions and memory. \nThis discussion will be facilitated by Jelena Sofronijevic\, and will be recorded and hosted on the EMPIRE LINES podcast\, featuring Fozia Ismail and Ayan Cilmi from Dhaqan Collective\, artists Kaajal Modi and Sovay Berriman\, as well as environmental humanities university lecturer Jim Scown. \nImage: Shoona Goolab \nBelow the water: waterway listening with Kaajal Modi \nTime: 1.30–3pm \nLocation: Tipi* \n  \n \n  \nIn this session\, join artist and researcher Kaajal Modi\, and take part in “embodied listening”\, featuring field recordings from waterways around Britain\, including migration stories and reflections from marginalised communities. \n*This session has limited capacity\, so participation will be on a first-come-first-served basis. It will begin and end in the Tipi\, with a guided visit to the Rainforest Biome. \nAbove the desert: listening session with Dhaqan Collective \nTime:  2–3.30pm\nLocation: Tipi* \n  \n \n  \nJoin artists Fozia Ismail and Ayan Cilmi\, from the Dhaqan Collective\, for an engaging listening session\, which will highlight the significance of Somali women’s weaving songs and oral storytelling traditions. You will be guided through an audio soundscape that explores the cultural importance of the Galool tree\, and concludes with networking and Somali hospitality. \n*This session will begin and end in the Tipi\, with a guided visit to the Mediterranean Biome. \n  \nAbout the contributors \nDhaqan Collective\n \nDhaqan Collective is a Somali feminist art group based in Bristol\, led by Ayan Cilmi and Fozia Ismail. Applying Somali nomadic stories and artistic practices to support the Somali diaspora to find joy and healing as a way of building a just climate future. \n  \nKaajal Modi\n \nKaajal Modi is a multidisciplinary artist-researcher in climate heritage whose creative practice incorporates sensoriality\, embodiment and storytelling in order to co-create with diverse communities (human\, microbial and ecological). \n  \nSovay Berriman\n \nSovay Berriman‘s work is rooted in the experience of being Cornish\, neurodivergent\, queer and from a low socio-economic background – the grounding and mutable aspects of these identities\, emotions and politics informing their sense of place and practice. \n  \nJim Scown\n \nJim Scown is Lecturer in Environmental Humanities at the University of Exeter\, co-director of the Centre for Environmental Arts and Humanities\, Food\, Farming and Countryside Commission advisor and BBC New Generation Thinker. His research focuses on the intersections of soils\, literature and science. \n  \nThis day programme is presented in partnership with Eden Project and Art Reach. \nLead image: Paul Gilbey URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/interweaving-threads-of-migration-and-climate-justice/ LOCATION:Eden Project\, Bodelva\, Cornwall\, PL24 2SG CATEGORIES:Multi-Art Form,Sustainability & Climate Justice ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/panel-discussion.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240926T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240927T013000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240923T155054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240924T074415Z UID:10000462-1727377200-1727400600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Wile Out and Counterpoints: Our Heart DJ night DESCRIPTION:Counterpoints Arts & Wile Out are coming together for a special takeover\, raising funds for the incredible Our HeartBeats program\, which uplifts migrant and refugee communities through the power of sound! \nExpect a night of Global Sounds as we showcase emerging DJs alongside local community leaders\, spinning everything from Latin House\, UK Funky\, Baile Funk\, Amapiano\, Caribbean Club\, and more! \nDoors:\n7pm – 1:30am \nEntry:\n£5 or small donation (all proceeds go towards supporting Counterpoints Arts and their vital work) \nVenue:\nClub Makossa \nSet Times:\nDoors open: 19:00\nBuay: 19:45\nRuby: 20:30\nShahrorah: 21:15\nEmily Dust: 22:30\nMango Park: 23:30\nRyan Pacheco: 00:30 \nAs part of a newly developed initiative to provide an entry point into DJing for young sanctuary-seeking people\, DJ and music producer Kensaye is leading the project including DJ workshops and music events. Get ready to groove to their beats as the young DJs showcase their skills whilst helping us to raise funds to continue growing the programme! URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/wile-out-and-counterpoints-our-heart-dj-night/ LOCATION:Club Makossa\, 113 Kingsland High Street\, London\, London\, E8 2PB\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Unknown-4.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241011T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241011T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240925T164324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T165003Z UID:10000463-1728640800-1728662400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Holding Space: Glasgow DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to host Holding Space in Glasgow this October\, the first event in a series of gatherings on art\, mental health and displacement.\n  \nFor this in-person gathering\, we will hold space for artists\, organisers\, health\, cultural and migrant justice workers based in and around Glasgow to come together to consider the role of art and creativity and its impact on the mental health and wellbeing of sanctuary seekers. \nThe day will be structured around short panel conversations with guest speakers\, group discussions offering an opportunity to reflect on what good practice looks like and to discuss some of the opportunities and challenges that may be faced when developing creative projects by and with newly arrived communities. \nWe are especially excited to have the opportunity to be in conversation with incredible guest speakers including Amal Azzudin\, Pinar Aksu\, Catrin Evans\, Mariem Omari\, Bircan Birol and Dr. Gameli Tordzro. The day will also feature two artistic interventions that reflect the themes of the day. A delicious vegan lunch will be served by Parveen’s Canteen. \nThis is an invite-only event with a limited number of spaces available. If you think you should be invited\, please write to daniela@counterpoints.org.uk. \n  \nThis event is produced by Counterpoints Arts in partnership with The Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival\, Refugee Festival Scotland and Creative Scotland. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/holding-space-glasgow/ CATEGORIES:Mental Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8733-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241012T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241012T210000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240829T122333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T122333Z UID:10000458-1728763200-1728766800@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home @ Journeys Festival DESCRIPTION:Our comedy collective No Direction Home comes to Journeys Festival in Leicester\, featuring Selam Amare\, Anastasia Chokuwamba and Loraine Mponela. \nThe gig will be hosted by Rahul Somia who has been nominated for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award. \nFull details and booking \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home as part of our PopChange work: it’s a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nCreated in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, we have run several series of workshops and more than 25 gigs\, featuring guest headliners such as Nish Kumar\, Romesh Ranganathan\, Rosie Jones\, Rob Delaney\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Sindhu Vee. \n‘A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is ‘ ★★★★ Standard URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-journeys-festival/ LOCATION:Curve Theatre\, 60 Rutland St\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/rahul-copy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241023T000000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241023T010000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20241023T084437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T084555Z UID:10000467-1729641600-1729645200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Online Conversation: A New Strand – Art\, Displacement & Mental Health DESCRIPTION:As part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival\, we’ve been invited by Arts Culture Health Wellbeing Scotland to host an online panel conversation to discuss our new strand of work focussing on art\, displacement & mental health.\n  \nFor this online event\, we will be in discussion with creative wellbeing practitioner Vicky Inam Mohieddeen and playwright and screenwriter Mariem Omari\, both of whom are based in Scotland. Together we will reflect on the role that art can play in having a positive impact on the wellbeing and mental health of sanctuary seekers when working in creative settings. We’ll explore the transformative role of art and discuss support structures needed to ensure that artists feel fully resourced\, supported\, and equipped to continue their impactful work. \n  \nAbout the Artists \nMariem Omari is a playwright\, screenwriter\, and Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Bijli Productions.  Her productions are described as “political\, sensitive\, and compelling\,” often confronting societal taboos. Mariem left Australia for her father’s homeland in the Middle East to work as a humanitarian. This inspired her commitment to promoting stories that strengthen the voice for equality. Her next move was to her mother’s homeland\, Scotland\, where she has been working closely with ethnically diverse communities. She was one of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Starter for 10\, selected to develop her play\, One Mississippi\, which showcased at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2017\, and toured nationally in 2022.  She had three plays commissioned in 2019 – The Trojans\, performed by Syrian Refugees; Paper Memories\, 2019 National Puppetry and Animation Festival; and Walkin’ the Line\, which was part of SMHAF 2019. In 2021 she was commissioned by BBC Scotland to create Breaking Point –  a series of five short monologues for radio and digital platforms based on the stories from One Mississippi.  She is currently developing her first feature for Young Films and BBC FILM\, and is working on a documentary about the making of One Mississippi. \nVicky Inam Mohieddeen is a Scots Lebanese creative wellbeing practitioner and HCPC registered Drama Therapist. Vicky has over 15 years experience facilitating and producing creative community projects in China\, India and the UK. Utilising story\, myth\, movement and art-making\, Vicky creates spaces for people to explore challenging feelings and experiences through creativity. She has created projects for organisations including National Theatre of Scotland\, British Red Cross\, Historic Environment Scotland\, Safe in Scotland\, Amina MWRC\, NHS Borders and Dundee Rep’s Dramatherapy department. \n  \nBook Tickets \nThis is a free event\, you can book your place here. \n  \nThis event is produced by Arts Culture Health Wellbeing Scotland as part of The Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival. \n  \nPhoto Credits: Shona Goolabi URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/online-conversation-a-new-strand-art-displacement-mental-health/ CATEGORIES:Mental Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/MG_9004.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241026T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241026T183000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240927T151833Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T155404Z UID:10000464-1729962000-1729967400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Out of Place\, Out of Mind DESCRIPTION:We are excited to be hosting an evening of performance and discussion as part of this year’s Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival\, shining a light on the invisibilised experience of being displaced.\n  \nWe are delighted to collaborate with the Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival to host a bold evening of performances and discussion responding to this year’s theme of In/Visible. Through a queer lens\, the programme shines a light on the invisibilized experience of being displaced and the unfathomable challenges of rebuilding life anew. Ultimately\, as we bear witness to the incredible human capacity to resist the violence of discriminatory immigration systems\, we are reminded that mental health is inherently political.  \n7th Solicitor is a solo performance by HUSS that exposes the hostility inflicted by the government’s hostile environment policy on people seeking refuge in the UK. Over the course of 7 phone calls\, HUSS offers a personal retelling of his experience navigating the Home Office\, shining a light on the reality of the visa process in all its frustration\, monotony and dehumanisation.  \nDissent is a solo dance performance by Fadi Giha. The piece casts an intimate light on the irretrievable and hidden parts of ourselves\, as an unexpected confrontation leaves a man forced to face his darkest depths. Complicit in this encounter\, we witness a soul dancing on the brink of madness\, governed by the immortal desire to belong\, and above all\, to be accepted.  \nThe performances will be followed by a panel conversation with Esraa Hussein\, Riah Naief and HUSS reflecting on queer identities\, experiences of displacement and the capacity of art to speak to the unspeakable.  \n  \n  \nAbout the Artists & Panellists \n  \nHUSS is a queer Arab multidisciplinary artist based in Glasgow. Tackling personal and political themes\, his discipline involves experimenting and combining elements such as installation\, sculpture\, visuals and audio to culminate in immersive performance and moving image pieces. Huss uses his work to raise issues facing the Arab world that lack acknowledgment in western society\, especially topics of displacement\, queer laws and how much it has always censored and endangered artists like himself. \n  \nFadi Giha is a trained choreographer and performer. Drawn to the physicality of the human body his choreographies tend to the interdependency of body\, space\, and society. Moving between the real and the fantastical\, he combines boldness and simplicity to explore the intricacies of life. \nFadi’s latest solo piece ‘Dissent’ was commissioned by SACF in 2023 and debuted at Chelsea Theater\, London. He was invited to choreograph and perform at Frieze London 2023\, as part of Tamara Al-Mashouk’s ‘I’d Search Forever\, I Want to Remember’ at Cork St.\, London. In 2018\, Fadi choreographed a dance piece titled ‘Siege II’ at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts\, Damascus. \nFadi received his BA in Dance from The Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus\, and his Choreomundus MA as an Erasmus Joint Master’s Degree scholarship holder. \n  \nRiah Naief (they/them) is a Sound Artist and Director of Glasgow’s Listen Gallery. For four years\, they have built and curated a space where artists have new opportunities to share sound and listening practices within a gallery setting that thinks beyond the white cube model. Their own sound-making practice collages Arabic prayers with synthesised frequencies to create sonic experiences that explore the intersection between sound and spirituality. Listen is an acronym of ‘love is serving the ears now’ – which considers listening as a practice of care and Iraqi-hospitality is used to lay the foundations where Queer Islamic futures can be imagined and strived towards.\n(www.listengallery.co.uk)\n\n  \nEsraa Husain (all/any pronouns) is a freelance creative writer\, community curator\, researcher and facilitator based in Glasgow. They are the founder and director of @UBelongGlasgow\, a multilingual community platform that features LGBT+\, BPOC and disabled creatives\, est. 2020. Their writings can be found online and in print in The Skinny\, Scottish BPOC Writers Network\, Kohl Journal\, Gutter\, Somewhere for Us\, The Bottle Imp and more. \n  \nBook Tickets \nThis is a ticketed\, pay what you can event (£7 / £5 / £5 / FREE). You can book your tickets here. \n  \nThis event is produced by Counterpoints Arts in partnership with The Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival. \n  \nPhoto Credits: Ashtar Alahmad URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/out-of-place-out-of-mind-scottish-mental-health-and-arts-festival/ LOCATION:CCA Glasgow\, 350 Sauchiehall St\, Glasgow\, G2 3JD\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Mental Health,Performance & Dance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dissent_Photo_Courtesy-of-Ashtar-Alahmad-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241027T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241027T180000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240823T130322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241021T084317Z UID:10000457-1730048400-1730052000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home @ Brighton Comedy Festival DESCRIPTION:Our unique comedy collective\, featuring Selam Amare\, Teddy\, Yasmeen Ghrawi and guest headliner Dane Buckley. \nNo Direction Home is run by Counterpoints Arts\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. They have a monthly residency at Soho Theatre in London. \nPresented by Counterpoints Arts \nFull details and booking \nCounterpoints Arts runs No Direction Home as part of our PopChange work: it’s a project for new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. \nCreated in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre and comedian Tom Parry\, we have run several series of workshops and more than 25 gigs\, featuring guest headliners such as Nish Kumar\, Romesh Ranganathan\, Rosie Jones\, Rob Delaney\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Sindhu Vee. \n‘A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is ‘ ★★★★ Standard URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-brighton-comedy-festival/ LOCATION:Brighton Dome\, Church St\, Brighton\, BN1 1UE\, United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ndh-brighton.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241105T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241105T143000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240926T161101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241021T092651Z UID:10000465-1730802600-1730817000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Norwich - Platforma networking DESCRIPTION:Where: Sainsbury Centre\, Norfolk Rd\, Norwich NR4 7TJ \nWhen: 10.30-2.30 on Tuesday 5th November 2024 (free lunch provided) \nFor information about the Platforma festival taking place across the East of England in October 2025 and how you can get involved \nTo reserve a free place: email tom@counterpoints.org.uk before 22nd October. \nPlease circulate this invitation\, but all attendees must register in advance by email. \n21/10/2004: This event is now at capacity\, but please email for more information about Platforma and to receive updates. \nImage: Good Evening\, We Are From Ukraine by Frankie Mills (Platforma 2023 in the South West) \nAn invitation\nThe Platforma festival takes place in a different English region every two years\, produced by Counterpoints Arts in collaboration with local partners and artists to showcase work\, build capacity and share learning. \nIn October 2025\, Platforma will take place across the East of England with a range of performances\, exhibitions\, talks and other events of all kind and scale. Most of the programming will be from local artists and organisations\, with touring and visiting contributions making it a truly national event. This edition’s programme will embed a particular focus on exploring mental health and wellbeing through the lens of the arts and its impact on individuals and communities affected by experiences of displacement. \nThis event at Sainsbury Centre on 5th November will be a chance to learn more about Platforma\, including how artists and organisations can get involved and what support can be provided. It will also be an opportunity to network across the arts\, refugee and other sectors in Norwich. We will also share more about our work around mental health and creative well-being. \nIt will be an informal and friendly day\, and anyone with an interest in this work is welcome. It is fine to come for only part of the day. \n10.30-12.30: Introducing Platforma and group discussions about current programming and provision in and around Norwich\, challenges and opportunities \n12.30-1.30: Lunch and conversation \n1.30-2.30: The arts\, refugees and mental health / creative health – discussion and ideas for events and programming. \nPlease contact tom@counterpoints.org.uk to reserve a free place or with any questions. We are able to cover the costs of local travel for people who are not supported by an organisation. \nMany thanks to the Sainsbury Centre for generously hosting this event. \nOther similar events have been (or will be) taking place in other places across the region. \nBackground\nIn 2023 the 7th Platforma festival was held over 5 weeks across the South West of England\, with more than 30 events. A key part of the programme is connecting organisations and people across the arts\, migration and other sectors. We also seek to make connections between places\, within the region and with visiting artists and practitioners from across the UK and internationally. \nBy focusing on a different region every two years\, Counterpoints is able to spend time getting to know a wide range of new partners and to build and understanding of the context. Our co-commissions and overall programme are responsive to that\, with a view to capacity building for the longer term and creating collaborations that last well beyond the festival period. \nPlatforma also becomes a focus of local media\, as with this 2023 report by the BBC. \nRead more about Platforma 2023 URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/norwich-platforma-networking/ LOCATION:Sainsbury Centre\, University of East Anglia\, Norfolk Road\, Norwich\, NR4 7TJ CATEGORIES:Platforma ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/We-Are-From-Ukraine-Platforma-festival-2023-©-Frankie-Mills.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241112T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241112T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20241024T110041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T210614Z UID:10000468-1731407400-1731412800@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Sanctuary and Visual Arts DESCRIPTION:Developed by City of Sanctuary UK and Counterpoint Arts\, the Arts Stream of Sanctuary recognises work done by arts organisations with artists and communities from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds and helps them build sustainable ongoing programmes. \nA small but growing number of visual arts studios and venues have joined the programme and we are keen for more to get involved. \nThis online meeting will feature short presentations by studios and galleries which have Sanctuary status\, to share the work they do\, some of the challenges they face and how they address them. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. All welcome\, whether you are experienced in this work or coming to it for the first time.\nFree sign up here \nPlatforma is a festival produced every two years by Counterpoints with partners in a different English region. In October 2025 it will be in the East of England. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/sanctuary-and-visual-arts/ CATEGORIES:Platforma,Visual Arts ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-13-at-09.38.59.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241125T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241125T143000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20241022T074042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241121T163734Z UID:10000466-1732532400-1732545000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Ipswich - Platforma networking DESCRIPTION:Where: DanceEast\, Jerwood DanceHouse\, Foundry Lane\, Ipswich IP4 1DW \nWhen: 11.00-2.30 on Monday 25th November 2024 (free lunch provided) \nFor information about the Platforma festival taking place across the East of England in October 2025 and how you can get involved. \nThe Jerwood DanceHouse is a fully accessible venue. For venue information\, our visual story and virtual tour are here Your Visit – DanceEast. \nTo reserve a free place: email tom@counterpoints.org.uk before 15th November. Please include any access information and / or dietary requirements so that we can fully support you during your visit. \nUPDATE: This event is now fully booked. Please email if you would like to know more about Platforma in Ipswich and we can arrange a call. \nPlease circulate this invitation\, but all attendees must register in advance by email. \nImage: Good Evening\, We Are From Ukraine by Frankie Mills (Platforma 2023 in the South West) \nAN INVITATION\nThe Platforma festival takes place in a different English region every two years\, produced by Counterpoints Arts in collaboration with local partners and artists to showcase work\, build capacity and share learning. \nIn October 2025\, Platforma will take place across the East of England with a range of performances\, exhibitions\, talks and other events of all kind and scale. Most of the programming will be from local artists and organisations\, with touring and visiting contributions making it a truly national event. This edition’s programme will embed a particular focus on exploring mental health and wellbeing through the lens of the arts and its impact on individuals and communities affected by experiences of displacement. \nThis event in partnership with DanceEast on 25th November will be a chance to learn more about Platforma\, including how artists and organisations can get involved and what support can be provided. It will also be an opportunity to network across the arts\, refugee and other sectors in and around Ipswich. We will also share more about our work around mental health and creative well-being. \nIt will be an informal and friendly day\, and anyone with an interest in this work is welcome. It is fine to come for only part of the day. \nPlease contact tom@counterpoints.org.uk to reserve a free place or with any questions. We are able to cover the costs of local travel for people who are not supported by an organisation. \nMany thanks to the DanceEast for generously hosting this event. \nOther similar events have been (or will be) taking place in other places across the region. \nBACKGROUND\nIn 2023 the 7th Platforma festival was held over 5 weeks across the South West of England\, with more than 30 events. A key part of the programme is connecting organisations and people across the arts\, migration and other sectors. We also seek to make connections between places\, within the region and with visiting artists and practitioners from across the UK and internationally. \nBy focusing on a different region every two years\, Counterpoints is able to spend time getting to know a wide range of new partners and to build and understanding of the context. Our co-commissions and overall programme are responsive to that\, with a view to capacity building for the longer term and creating collaborations that last well beyond the festival period. \nPlatforma also becomes a focus of local media\, as with this 2023 report by the BBC. \nRead more about Platforma 2023 URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/ipswich-platforma-networking/ LOCATION:DanceEast\, Jerwood DanceHouse\, Foundry Lane\, Ipswich\, IP4 1DW\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Multi-Art Form,Platforma ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/We-Are-From-Ukraine-Platforma-festival-2023-©-Frankie-Mills.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241128 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241130 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20240124T164349Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T134930Z UID:10000396-1732752000-1732924799@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:International Conference Culture & Mental Health: Refugees DESCRIPTION:The second Culture & Mental Health international conference will take place in Ghent\, Belgium on 28 and 29 November 2024. This conference seeks to promote learning\, discussion and debate around cultural interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of people recovering from mental health difficulties or people in vulnerable situations. The focus of this edition is on supporting the mental wellbeing of forcibly displaced people through art and culture. \nIn a report in 2022 the EU and WHO call for support for the mental wellbeing of forcibly displaced people through art and culture : “People displaced because of natural disasters\, persecution\, conflict\, generalised violence or human rights violations invariably experience significant loss\, physical hardships and other stressors that can lead to psychological distress. A large body of evidence shows how forcibly displaced people contribute positively to society. This potential can be further enhanced by ensuring that they are in good physical and mental health. Therefore\, according to the report\, it is important to support the arts\, as investing in the field is an investment in the mental\, physical and social health of forcibly displaced people.” \nThis conference wants to bring together individuals from the public\, academic\, third sector and voluntary sectors\, to share experiences\, practices and knowledge about the importance and impact of the arts\, reading\, heritage and creativity on improving mental health\, wellbeing and resilience of refugees. \nCounterpoints is part of the programme committee for the conference. \nFull details\, including call for contributions: https://www.museumdrguislain.be/en/onview-en/culture-mental-health-refugees URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/international-conference-culture-mental-health-refugees/ LOCATION:Dr Guislain Museum\, Jozef Guislainstraat 43b\, Ghent\, 09 39 86 950\, Belgium CATEGORIES:Blog,Learning,Mental Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Dr-Giuslan-Museum-Ghent-Belgium.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241204T113000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241204T123000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20241120T094433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T094433Z UID:10000471-1733311800-1733315400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Sounds Like Home Choir @ Hoxton Hall DESCRIPTION:Join us for a relaxed performance by the Sounds Like Home Choir. \nWhere: Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton St\, London N1 6SH \nWhen: 4th December\, 11.30am \nNo reservations required. \nSounds Like Home is an international women’s choir meeting weekly in Hoxton. The group was started in January 2024 at the Museum of the Home as a legacy project of Kadir Karababa’s One Song\, a video installation which was created and exhibited at the museum in 2022 that was co-commissioned by Counterpoints Arts. \nSet up by Ellen Muriel\, who also worked on One Song\, the Sounds Like Home Choir creates space for self-defining ‘international women’ of Hackney to exchange\, teach and sing songs they connect and associate with places they’ve called home. \nThe project was commissioned by Counterpoints and is currently supported by the Cultural Hackney Fund. \nRead more about the Sounds Like Home Choir \nIf you would like to speak  further about the Sounds Like Home Choir\, discuss booking the choir to perform at an event\, or have any ideas or information that would be helpful in securing future funding\, you can get in touch with: \nEllen Muriel\, choir leader\, at: Ellen.muriel6@gmail.com \nOr Asha Wilson\, project assistant\, at: Ashaesmewilson@yahoo.co.uk URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/sounds-like-home-choir-hoxton-hall/ LOCATION:Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton Street\, London\, N1 6SH CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screen-Shot-2024-11-20-at-09.42.24.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241215T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241215T210000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20241112T183443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T142511Z UID:10000469-1734285600-1734296400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:About Us! Artists' Scratch Showcase DESCRIPTION:Come to our next Scratch Showcase and support artists presenting their exciting work-in-progress!! \nWhen: 15th December\, from 6pm \nWhere: Clore Ballroom\, Royal Festival Hall\, Southbank Centre\, London\, SE1 8XX \nFree entry! \nCalling all artists and creatives looking for a safe space to share your ideas! Come along to our showcase for inspiration\, connection and encouragement. Scratch is led by Awate. \nWhether or not you’re ready to embrace the name ‘artist’\, if you’re making work or thinking about it\, this event is for you. \nSign up HERE (by 22nd December) to present your work (or work in progress) and engage in discussions with a room full of like-minded artistic experimenters. \nMusic\, film\, comedy\, drama\, improv\, visual art\, fashion and everything in between is welcome: in the past we’ve had films inspired by Greek mythology\, stylists presenting their original textile designs\, stand up comedy and short plays reflecting on the trans experience. \nOur artists are: \nShubhan Iyer / music\nShanmukha Priya Mohan / archives\nali akhtar / fashion\nDavy Lazare / film\nYafei Zheng / theatre\nImisi Peletu -/music\n\nIf you haven’t been to our Scratch event before\, they are exciting\, supportive\, needed networking spaces aimed at artists and people with Global Majority Heritage. Come and witness the developing projects and practices\, offer advice and meet interesting people. \n‘It’s a wholly unique way to connect with your audience; I learned more about how audiences engage with my work at this event than I have for any other performance!’ – Laith Elzubaidi\, writer/filmmaker. \nApplications close at midnight\, Friday 22 November. \nVenue is The Clore Ballroom\, located inside Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall on Level 2. \nFree entry! \nScratch is led by Awate\, supported by Counterpoints. This Scratch event is co-produced with Southbank Centre. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/about-us-artists-scratch-showcase-2/ LOCATION:Clore Ballroom\, Southbank Centre\, Belvedere Road\, London\, SE1 8XX CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Multi-Art Form ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MCH_1VA1675-Counterpoints-RW2022-559.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250113T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250113T130000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20241115T165030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T145234Z UID:10000470-1736764200-1736773200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Cambridge - Platforma networking DESCRIPTION:Where: CRASSH\, Alison Richard Building\, 7 West Rd\, Cambridge CB3 9D \nWhen: 10.30-1.00 on Monday 13th January 2025 \nFor: information about the Platforma arts and refugees festival taking place across the East of England in October 2025\, and how you can get involved. \nTo reserve a free place: email tom@counterpoints.org.uk. \nPlease feel free to circulate this invitation\, but attendees must register in advance by email. \nImage: Good Evening\, We Are From Ukraine by Frankie Mills (Platforma 2023 in the South West) \nAN INVITATION\nThe Platforma festival takes place in a different English region every two years\, produced by Counterpoints Arts in collaboration with local partners and artists to showcase work relating to the arts refugees & migration\, build capacity and share learning. \nIn October 2025\, Platforma will take place across the East of England with a range of performances\, exhibitions\, talks and other events of all kind and scale. Most of the programming will be from local artists and organisations\, with touring and visiting contributions making it a truly national event. This edition’s programme will embed a particular focus on exploring mental health and wellbeing through the lens of the arts and its impact on individuals and communities affected by experiences of displacement. \nThis event on 13th January will be a chance to learn more about Platforma\, including how artists and organisations can get involved and what support can be provided. It will also be an opportunity to network across the arts\, refugee and other sectors in and around Cambridge. We will also share more about our work around mental health and creative well-being. \nIt will be an informal and friendly day\, and anyone with an interest in this work is welcome. . \nPlease contact tom@counterpoints.org.uk to reserve a free place or with any questions. We are able to cover the costs of local travel for people who are not supported by an organisation. \nMany thanks to the CRASSH for generously hosting this event. \nOther similar events have been (or will be) taking place in other places across the region – including in Ipswich\, Norwich and Great Yarmouth. \nBACKGROUND\nIn 2023 the 7th Platforma festival was held over 5 weeks across the South West of England\, with more than 30 events. A key part of the programme is connecting organisations and people across the arts\, migration and other sectors. We also seek to make connections between places\, within the region and with visiting artists and practitioners from across the UK and internationally. \nBy focusing on a different region every two years\, Counterpoints is able to spend time getting to know a wide range of new partners and to build and understanding of the context. Our co-commissions and overall programme are responsive to that\, with a view to capacity building for the longer term and creating collaborations that last well beyond the festival period. \nPlatforma also becomes a focus of local media\, as with this 2023 report by the BBC. \nRead more about Platforma 2023 URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/cambridge-platforma-networking/ LOCATION:CRASSH\, Alison Richard Building\, 7 West Rd\, Cambridge\, CB3 9DP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Blog,Platforma ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/We-Are-From-Ukraine-Platforma-festival-2023-©-Frankie-Mills.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250114T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250424T233000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134457 CREATED:20250123T002443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250123T002443Z UID:10000474-1736881200-1745537400@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Our HeartBeats: Empowering Through DJing and Mentorship DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to unveil the next chapter of our transformative initiative\, Our HeartBeats\, spearheaded by Lead Artist and producer/DJ Kensaye alongside Counterpoints’ Senior Producer Dijana Rakovic. Designed to empower individuals from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds\, the programme embarks on its next phase with a fresh curriculum that brings together creativity\, community and mental health support\, and of course DJing skills. \nWhat’s New in 2025\nBuilding on a year of achievements\, workshop & performances and expanding collaborations\, Our HeartBeats will welcome six participants to take part in a bespoke new curriculum. The programme combines DJ theory insights with practical experience\, equipping participants with the skills to carve out their DJ identity\, master technical proficiency\, explore mental health and wellbeing\, producing and the art of collaboration. \nAt its heart\, Our HeartBeats and the refreshed curriculum have been envisioned as a collaborative space. Here\, participants will not only learn but actively co-design the journey. The cohort will play an integral role in shaping decisions\, and working together to ensure the project reflects their voices\, needs\, and creativity. This cooperative approach is key to creating a truly inclusive and empowering experience. \nHighlights of the 2025 Programme\n\nJanuary: A thorough exploration of DJing fundamentals\, including creating unique playlists\, navigating music platforms\, and understanding contracts.\nFebruary: Hands-on workshops at Southbank Centre\, covering everything from beatmatching and playlist curation to crafting performance strategies.\nMarch: Advanced sessions focused on live performance techniques\, audience engagement\, and refining technical mastery.\nApril: A broadcast training session\, led by DJ and producer Gaby D’Annunzio\, guiding participants on delivering live sets and managing radio shows.\nApril: Performance.\nFrom April: TBC a residency at Southbank Centre.\n\nWe continue to collaborate with our partners at Compass Collective\, Babylon Project and Southbank Centre. We are also setting up new partnerships as we speak\, and look forward to working with previous collaborators such as DJ and Producer\, Mahnoor. \nLooking Further Ahead\nOur HeartBeats embodies a vision rooted in sustainability and long-term impact. Beyond equipping participants with DJing expertise\, the initiative aspires to nurture a supportive\, self-sustaining community of mentors. Each year\, programme alumni will have the chance to inspire and guide the next generation\, creating a ripple effect of creativity and empowerment. \nSpotlight on Kensaye\nAs the Lead Artist of Our HeartBeats\, Kensaye brings his extensive experience as a celebrated producer and DJ to the fore. Known for his signature blend of soulful beats and contemporary influences\, Kensaye’s artistry celebrates resilience and creative expression. His leadership offers participants a genuine and inspiring entry into the world of music. \nBe Part of the Journey\nWe invite you to follow the growth of Our HeartBeats as it develops over the coming months. Keep an eye out for updates on performances\, new collaborations\, and more as we continue to practice the transformative power of music\, and DJing. \nTogether\, with our talented cohort of new DJs and our growing audience\, we’re amplifying voices\, building creative and life skills\, and nurturing wellbeing through the universal language of music. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/our-heartbeats-empowering-through-djing-and-mentorship/ LOCATION:Counterpoints Arts\, Southbank Centre and Worldwide Radio CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_5691.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250127T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250127T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250114T075346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T181239Z UID:10000472-1738002600-1738008000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:PopChange Film Club: Other Cinemas Shorts DESCRIPTION:Join us for the second edition of PopChange Film Club – Counterpoints’ new monthly programme at RichMix London. \nThis month we’re teaming up with Other Cinemas to showcase some of our favourite short films from the Other Cinemas Film School – a free\, year-long film school which provides new and emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds with mentorship and guidance to create confident\, imaginative\, and curious filmmakers who are interested in the transformative potential of filmmaking. \nThis screening is followed by a Q&A with some of the directors of the films\, chaired by PopChange producer Laith Elzubaidi. \nFeaturing: \n– Red Jeep by Chanthila Phaophanit\n– A Swing In Atayfiyah by Bediah\n– Do Not Dream of Wonderful World by Leena Habiballa\n– Out Of Place by Ruweyda Sheik-Ali\n– We Have Only What We Remember by Chanthila Phaophanit\n– An Archive Of Flowers by Siufan Adey\n– Still House by Chanthila Phaophanit\n– Dead As A Dodo by Leena Habiballa\n– Bladi – My Country by Leila Gamaz\n– I’ve Perfected Sleep Travel by Nia Fekri\n– Moon Rising by Bediah \nOther Cinemas is a Brent-based project established by the filmmaking duo Turab Shah and Arwa Aburawa who saw the need for better and more equitable ways of film-making\, sharing\, and education. Seeing these three strands as inseparable\, their work attempts to create a vital and holistic alternative to the industry that addresses its racial and class biases. Their work is rooted in our diverse neighbourhoods in northwest London\, some of the most racially diverse in the country but chronically underserved in terms of cultural provisions. \nFull details and booking: https://richmix.org.uk/cinema/other-cinemas-short-film-showcase/ URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/popchange-film-club-other-cinemas-shorts/ LOCATION:RichMix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road\, London\, E1 6LA CATEGORIES:Film,Pop Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-07-at-12.59.10.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250131 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250414 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250210T111834Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T132440Z UID:10000477-1738281600-1744588799@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Embodied Activism\, Sivan Rubinstein DESCRIPTION:“Life is movement. Movement is life-giving.” \n– Kadeesha Athura \nA new exhibition at Aspex Gallery\, Portsmouth \nEmbodied Activism marks a bold new chapter in Sivan Rubinstein’s interdisciplinary practice\, bringing her expertise in dance\, projection\, and installation into the realm of visual arts. This exhibition navigates the profound relationships between bodies\, spaces\, and urgent global issues\, offering a transformative perspective on creation as it emerges from destruction. \nThrough movement\, Rubinstein unpacks the complexities of the climate crisis\, migration\, and womanhood. Her work transforms the gallery into a site of lived experience\, where choreography becomes a form of storytelling\, and installation an archive of collective memory. The pieces in Embodied Activism challenge us to consider the resilience of the human body as it moves through disruption and adapts to ever-changing environments. \nThe exhibition’s visceral\, choreographic elements invite viewers to reflect on the fragility and interconnectedness of life. A choreography of things takes place across the boundaries of the exhibition space\, exploring themes of migration. The climate crisis is embodied in the interplay between destruction and regeneration\, where movement mirrors the rhythms of collapse and renewal. Womanhood is celebrated as a site of strength and vulnerability\, central to the narratives of survival and transformation Rubinstein presents. \nRubinstein’s work asks us to inhabit the liminal spaces between action and reflection\, to feel the urgency of the issues that define our shared moment\, and to consider how our bodies—individually and collectively—carry histories\, identities\, and futures. Embodied Activism is not only a reflection of the challenges we face but also a call to action. It reminds us that movement\, both literal and metaphorical\, is a force for change—a way to connect\, resist\, and reimagine our place within a shifting world. \nEmbodied Activism is co-commissioned by The Place and Aspex Portsmouth\, and supported by Arts Council England\, Counterpoint Arts and Portsmouth City Council. With particular thanks to Dr. Sarah Fine\, Fellow at Cambridge University\, Sivan’s long-time Academic research partner. \nAbout the Artist \nSivan Rubinstein is a London-based choreographer\, movement director and researcher recognised for the creation of highly visual dance works. Her work forms different series and sits at the intersection of embodied artistic collaboration and academic research. These series include the Climate Futures Series\, Migration Through Dance Series and the Pelvishood Series. \nSivan was Artist in Residence at King’s College London (2019-2020) and is currently WorkPlace Artist at The Place London (2020-2025) and Artist in Residence at Cambridge University. Her work has been presented at Bloomsbury Festival (Wellcome Collection\, London)\, Being Human Festival (London)\, Arts and Humanities Festival (King’s College London)\, Sotheby’s\, Lilian Baylis Studio (Sadler’s Wells)\, Migration Museum\, The Place (London)\, Turner Contemporary (Margate)\, European Dancehouse Network (B.Motion Festival\, The Dutch Dance Festival (Netherlands) and the YAP Residency Program in Beijing\, China. \nIn July 2024\, Sivan completed a short residency with Aspex Portsmouth. This residency involved both community workshops focused on dance and movement with sanctuary seekers at the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary Hub as well as research and practice-based mentorship with Aspex’s Curator and Programme Manager\, Ricardo Reverón Blanco. Sivan’s residency formed the basis for developing many of the works in Embodied Activism. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/embodied-activism-sivan-rubinstein/ LOCATION:Aspex Gallery\, The Vulcan Building Gunwharf Quays\, Portsmouth\, PO1 3BF\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Performance & Dance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fire-13-1600x900-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250224T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250224T201500 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250207T112927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250220T141908Z UID:10000476-1740421800-1740428100@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Black Godfather of Scuba DESCRIPTION:PopChange Film Club presents a new film by director Matt Kay. \nBooking details \nBLACK GODFATHER OF SCUBA\nDir. Matt Kay\nBlack Godfather of Scuba follows the extraordinary life and mission of Dr. Albert Jose “Doc” Jones\, co-founder of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. After diving at the wreck of the Henrietta Marie\, the first lost slave ship ever to be recovered\, he dedicated himself to finding and recovering the remains of others\, and to making sure those lost souls would never be forgotten. \nQUEEN OF THE SEA\nDir. Kate Cox\nSeventeen-year-old surfer\, Deguene\, blazes a trail for women in Senegal while nurturing her relationship to her family\, and to the water. \n+ More to be announced! \nThis screening is followed by a Q&A with the director of Black Godfather of Scuba\, Matt Kay + more panelists TBC. \nPopChange Film Club is a new film club presented by Counterpoints Arts that will feature a monthly film programme from filmmakers from migrant and refugee backgrounds followed by a panel discussion. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/black-godfather-of-scuba/ LOCATION:RichMix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road\, London\, E1 6LA CATEGORIES:Film,Pop Culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/full_BlackGodfatherScuba.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250226T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250226T130000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250127T091559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T134925Z UID:10000475-1740564000-1740574800@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Refugee Week online conference DESCRIPTION:Do you want to find out how you can get involved in this year’s Refugee Week? Save the date for the annual Refugee Week Conference. \nJoin us online from wherever you are in the world. Let’s embody Refugee Week’s 2025 theme “Community As A Superpower” and come together to connect and collaborate on this movement. \nReserve your free place here \nRefugee Week UK is a partnership project coordinated by Counterpoints Arts. It is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions\, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. \nEstablished in 1998 in the UK\, this annual global festival aligns with World Refugee Day\, celebrated worldwide on June 20th. \nIn 2025\, join us from June 16th to 22nd for a community-powered week! URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/refugee-week-online-conference/ CATEGORIES:Learning,Refugee Week ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Theme-Instagram-copy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250308T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250308T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250213T152443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T130342Z UID:10000478-1741453200-1741464000@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:About Us! Artists' Scratch Showcase DESCRIPTION:Image by Paul Gilbey\, of Charlotte Gosling performing as part of Awate’s About Us: Scratch Showcase  event\, Southbank Centre\, Refugee Week 2023\n  \nGet a glimpse behind the curtain of creativity as six artists take to the floor to share new works in progress in celebration of International Women’s Day. \nAudiences are invited to give feedback and ask questions in a safe\, communal space to help lift up artists. The performances are interwoven with poetry and hosted by curator and Lead Scratch Artist Awate. \nAll artists chosen for this Scratch Showcase are women or non-binary people\, and two special guest artists perform as part of our futuretense gig series supporting emerging artists. \nThis event is open to all audiences wanting to experience work in its initial stages of development\, and applications to present work were open to artists aged over 18 from a global majority background (or tackling the subjects of diaspora and migration)\, whether you’re a writer\, musician\, dancer\, filmmaker\, designer or anything in between. \nArtists presenting works-in-progress are Oishi Dutta\, Chakira Alin\, Shivani Sen\, Natsuko Yonezawa\, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes\, Torera Sotinwa. \nThis Scratch is hosted by Awate and Ornella Mutoni\, Filmmaker and Counterpoints’ PopChange Producer. \nIn the past we have had films inspired by Greek mythology\, stylists presenting their original textile designs\, stand up comedy\, powerful rap music\, innovative piano performances and short plays reflecting on the trans experience. \nAfter presenting at our Scratch event\, artists have gone on to embark on their first UK music tours\, had their short films presented at the BFI London Film Festival\, secured options from high-profile TV production companies\, started their own regular comedy nights and found lasting connections with other artists in the audience or presenting alongside them. \nThis Scratch Showcase is a collaboration between Awate\, Counterpoints Arts and the Southbank Centre. Book your tickets here. \nAbout artists: \nOishi Roy Dutta (b. 2000) is a multi-medium artist and art-director based between London and New Delhi. Oishi‘s work explores the complexities of human experience in an evolving technological landscape\, examining ocular politics\, ethnicity\, modern myths\, and contemporary “human artifacts.” A Fine Arts graduate from Delhi University’s College of Art (2022)\, she has worked with The Nourishment Project’s opera NIRAKAR\, luxury jeweler Sunita Shekhawat\, and  India Art Fair\, apart from various other creative projects with emerging musicians and fashion houses. Blending visual storytelling with conceptual depth\, she investigates multi-dimensional existence in an exceedingly complicated socio-political landscape. Oishi is currently pursuing an MA in Contemporary Art Practice at the Royal College of Art. \nChakira Alin (she/her) is a writer\, actor and filmmaker from the East End of London\, making work with her production company Quite the Cowboy. Chakira recently completed her latest short film\, THE PILGRIMAGE\, and is currently in pre-production for the SUNNY SIDE UP film adaptation. She is a triple Capricorn. \nBorn and raised in New Delhi\, India\, Shivani is a multi-disciplinary artist\, singer-songwriter\, author and composer whose work weaves together genres\, cultural identities\, and emotions. Her work aims to break tradition-based boundaries and is inspired by a blend of storytelling\, aesthetics\, and spirituality. Shivani has trained in Hindustani Classical music for twenty years and performs regularly in India and London. With her debut release\, Shivani has merged the Indian classical world with indie pop\, and has featured on NTS Radio and on BBC Introducing Asian Network as their Artist of the Week. Shivani is also a poet with her debut poetry book To the Homes that We Are sold internationally and read at festivals and exhibitions and shared in universities in the UK. Today\, she is accompanied by Vishnu Vijayan on the tabla and Theo Archer on the bass. Following their recent performance at the Indian High Commission and at the SOAS concert series\, Shivani Vishnu and Theo are bringing a contemporary rendition of Indian classical music\, with storytelling and poetry enhancing the creative practice. \nNatsuko is a Japanese-Australian live performance director and digital scenographer currently pursuing a Masters in Design for Performance and Interaction at UCL. Natsuko‘s work draws on psychological and sociological research\, along with a deep interest in biomimetic architecture\, to create immersive experiences. Integrating emerging technologies with dance\, physical theatre\, sound\, lighting design\, and architecture\, they craft multi sensory environments that push the boundaries of live performance. Natsuko is fundamentally interested in the complexity of human beings and why we behave the way we do as we all navigate the world in fascinatingly distinct ways. \nAlex Bertulis-Fernandes is a stand-up and writer. Alex won the British Comedy Guide Pro Award for Performance. Alex was a Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award Finalist\, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Finalist\, and BBC New Comedy Awards Nominee. Her jokes have featured in The Guardian and The Telegraph. Alex wrote material for ITV’s Piglets\, BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers\, The Now Show and The News Quiz\, and for several upcoming films. Alex went viral for her response to being told to “dial down the feminism.” She’s working with Clapperboard Studios on a sitcom set in a psychiatric ward.  \nBy day\, Torera is a lawyer—but when the sun sets\, she transforms into a dynamic dancer\, poet\, and writer. Torera believes in the healing power of artistic expression and is on a mission to make creativity accessible to everyone – from seasoned artists to buttoned-up lawyers in corporate offices. Because art belongs to us all.  With a passion for storytelling through movement and words\, Torera has choreographed and produced a short dance film\, performed on world-renowned stages like the Bloomsbury Theatre\, and is now curating her own Artists’ Showcase on March 15th. Her work blends movement\, poetry\, and sound to create an immersive experience that pulls you deep into her world. In her upcoming performance\, she will explore how romantic relationships serve as mirrors\, forcing us to confront the hardest truths about ourselves. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/about-us-artists-scratch-showcase-3/ LOCATION:Clore Ballroom\, Southbank Centre\, Belvedere Road\, London\, SE1 8XX CATEGORIES:Community & Participation,Multi-Art Form ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/refugee-week-2023-8394.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250401T181500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250401T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250317T132313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T132640Z UID:10000480-1743531300-1743537600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Coconut Head Generation DESCRIPTION:Don’t miss the fourth edition of PopChange Film Club\, including a Q&A with director Alain Kassanda. \n6.15pm: RichMix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road\, London\, E1 6LA \nBooking \nPopChange Film Club is Counterpoints‘ new monthly programme featuring filmmakers from migrant and refugee backgrounds for the screening of Alain Kassanda‘s award winning feature documentary Coconut Head Generation. \nThis observational documentary captures the words and emotions of students at the University of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria\, presenting spirited debates over power imbalances and heated discussions around ethnicity\, feminism\, and gender. \nThis screening is followed by a Q&A with the director. \nThis film is in Pidgin\, Yoruba\, French and English with English subtitles. URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/coconut-head-generation/ LOCATION:RichMix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road\, London\, E1 6LA CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/coconut-head-generation_1_crop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250415T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250415T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250409T121415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T122339Z UID:10000483-1744740000-1744747200@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:Hold to Record: Voice Notes from Refugees. DESCRIPTION:Hold to Record: Voice Notes from Refugees. \nPublished by Palewell Press\, this anthology features new writing from refugees\, asylum seekers and migrants. \nThere will be special readings from the anthology by the contributors. And some drinks and light snacks provided. \nA collaboration with Compass Collective and Counterpoints Arts\, Hold to Record is part of the Voice Notes project\, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. \nFree booking URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/hold-to-record-voice-notes-from-refugees/ LOCATION:Kensington Central Library\, 12 Phillimore Walk\, London\, W8 7RX\, United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_985388363_797796423683_1_original-copy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T203000 DTSTAMP:20260430T134458 CREATED:20250303T094911Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250310T153340Z UID:10000479-1745089200-1745094600@counterpoints.org.uk SUMMARY:No Direction Home presents: Anastasia and Loraine DESCRIPTION:No Direction Home presents: Anastasia and Loraine\, hosted by Selam Amare. PLUS special guest comedians to be announced. \nSaturday 19th April\, May Scott Studio @ Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton St\, London N1 6SH \n7-8.30pm \nBooking (Pay What You Can) \nAnastasia Chokuwamba and Loraine Mponela are Coventry-based comedians and performers who have emerged as stand-out stars of the No Direction Home refugee comedy collective produced by Counterpoints Arts. They bring humour to their insights into live in the asylum system\, and fresh takes on life in the UK. They have performed with No Direction Home at gigs across the country including at London’s Soho Theatre and Southbank Centre and Greenbelt Festival\, appearing with guest headliners such as Rob Delany\, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Romesh Ranganathan. Loraine is also a poet – her second collection\, Now I Sing\, was published in 2023. \nSelam Amare is a cultural producer\, comedian\, and advocate of migrant issues in London. She runs Azmari Bet\, and is passionate about platforming her native Ethiopian culture by promoting Ethiopian music styles\, artists\, food\, and dance. \nThe No Direction Home comedy collective has been running since 2019 to support new comics from refugee and migrant backgrounds\, featuring workshops\, expert tuition and gigs around the country. It is produced by Counterpoints Arts as part of their PopChange initiative. \n★★★★A memorable comedy night… Underlines how vital comedy is Bruce Dessau\, The Standard URL:https://counterpoints.org.uk/event/no-direction-home-presents-anastasia-and-loraine/ LOCATION:Hoxton Hall\, 130 Hoxton Street\, London\, N1 6SH CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://counterpoints.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NDH-Anastasia-Loraine-Selam.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR