HighlightsAlmir2023-11-29T13:40:51+00:00

Highlights

Highlights of our artistic programme this year feature exciting artists, ideas and partners. Our ongoing programme is shared via Projects and Commissions

counterpointsarts

Victory and hope lit up the room last Friday as we

Victory and hope lit up the room last Friday as we came together with @actionforsama, @chooselove, and @richmixlondon to host a powerful screening of For Sama last Friday, surrounded by friends, family, and supporters.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this deeply moving evening. Together, we bore witness to life in Aleppo under siege during the Assad regime.

As Waad Al-Kateab powerfully said:
“For Sama is made from images captured by one person, with one camera, in one city in Syria during the regime.”

And as Hamza added:
“If you’d asked us last week, we would have told you we could see no light at the end of the tunnel. Now, we feel hope.”
Following the film, we came together in solidarity—singing Syrian songs and listening to an inspiring conversation with @waadalkateab and @hamza_alkateab, chaired with compassion by @josie_catface, CEO of @chooselove.

Please follow @actionforsama to support their vital work. Since the news of the Assad regime’s fall, they have been advocating relentlessly—raising awareness about war crimes, the missing detainees, ongoing airstrikes in Syria, and urging UK and European governments to reverse the current pause on Syrian asylum cases.

Missed the screening? If you’re in the UK, you can watch For Sama on @Channel4 On Demand, or get in touch with @actionforsama to organise your own screening.

About Us: Artist’s Scratch is back! 📅 When:

About Us: Artist’s Scratch is back!

📅 When: 15th December, 6 PM
📍 Where: Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
🎟️ Entry: Free

Calling all artists and creatives! Whether you’re just starting out or ready to share your ideas, our Scratch Showcase is the perfect space for inspiration, connection, and encouragement.

🎤 Led by @awatemusic, this event is open to music, film, comedy, drama, improv, visual art, fashion, and everything in between. Past showcases have featured Greek mythology-inspired films, original textile designs, stand-up comedy, and short plays reflecting on the trans experience.

This time, we’re excited to feature:
🎶 Shubhan Iyer / music
📜 Shanmukha Priya Mohan / archives
👗 ali akhtar / fashion
🎥 Davy Lazare / film
🎭 Yafei Zheng / theatre
🎵 Imisi Peletu / music

Not ready to call yourself an “artist”? That’s okay! If you’re making or even thinking about creative work, this space is for you.

Don’t miss this exciting, supportive space for Global Majority Heritage artists to network, showcase, and develop their practices. 🌍

📸 by Paul Gilbey

"We dare to dream, we won’t regret dignity.”

"We dare to dream, we won’t regret dignity.”

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria marks the end of a nightmare for so many and the beginning of a free Syria.

In light of the extraordinary news unfolding in Syria and poignantly coinciding with the anniversary of the forced displacement of Aleppo, join us for a special FREE screening of the award-winning documentary For Sama.

🗓 Friday, 13 December
⏰ 6 PM
📍 @RichMixLondon

🎥 Followed by an exclusive Q&A with
@waadalkateab, @hamzaalkateab, and @josie_catface, CEO of @ChooseLove.

For Sama is an intimate and epic journey through the female experience of war, chronicling Waad Al-Kateab’s life during five years of the uprising in Aleppo. It captures her falling in love, marrying, and becoming a mother to Sama, all amid the harrowing realities of conflict.

This extraordinary film has won the Prix L’Œil d’or for Best Documentary at Cannes, a BAFTA for Best Documentary, and was nominated for an Oscar at the 2020 Academy Awards.

Don’t miss this powerful screening! Link in bio for FREE tickets.

“‘A carefully curated 48 hours of talks, walks

“‘A carefully curated 48 hours of talks, walks, workshops, and creativity, leaving me feeling galvanised and most importantly connected to a wider ecosystem.’ – Melissa Murdock, Heard

‘A retreat that struck a careful balance between conveying urgency and handling personal stories with care and respect.’ – Fahmida Miah, Climate Outreach

‘A special space that cultivated the conditions for beautiful collective thinking, dreaming, and imagining.’ – Lara Deffense, Counterpoints Arts

‘A rare treat to immerse myself within a mediaeval estate surrounded by brilliant creative minds.’ – Jake Lee, Unbound Philanthropy

Thank you to everyone who shared their reflections, and to Comic Relief for featuring this incredible article written by Biz from the Power of Pop Community Council.

Read the full piece in link in bio.

What a warm and inspiring evening it was to come t

What a warm and inspiring evening it was to come together for the second annual Counterpoints and Unbound Philanthropy gathering.

These moments of connection have become essential—a space where we can reflect on the challenges of the past year, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and find renewed energy and hope for the work ahead. In a time of so much uncertainty, coming together as a community feels more meaningful than ever.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who makes this work possible. To our incredible team, whose dedication and creativity drive everything we do; to our board, whose guidance and support keep us on course; to our collaborators, who bring new ideas and energy to our mission; and to our audiences, who inspire us with their engagement and belief in the importance of what we do—thank you.

It’s through this collective effort that Counterpoints continues to grow as a space for transformation, solidarity, and imagination. Together, we’re building something special: a community that not only challenges the systems that divide us but also dreams of and works toward a more hopeful, inclusive future.

Here’s to carrying this momentum forward and to many more moments of connection and inspiration to come.

London, don’t miss this extraordinary performanc

London, don’t miss this extraordinary performance by Palestinian actor and comedian @alaashehada_ . Let’s make sure this show sells out! Tickets are available via our story.

The Horse of Jenin, written and performed by Alaa Shehada, is a universal tale of resilience, imagination, and freedom. Rooted in his own upbringing in Jenin, Alaa shares the story of a boy who, like children everywhere, longs to play and dream despite the challenges around him.

In April 2002, following a major invasion in Jenin, a German artist conducted a workshop with local residents. Together, they transformed debris from the bombings into a towering five-meter metal horse—a powerful symbol of freedom and peaceful resistance. The community celebrated as they paraded the horse through the city. However, last November, the horse was removed by an Israeli bulldozer, leaving the community to wonder: What happened to the horse?

In this solo performance, Alaa Shehada humorously imagines the horse’s fate. Was it arrested? Interrogated? Put on trial? Through his memories, woven with humour and creativity, Alaa rebuilds the horse on stage as a theatrical tribute to the resilience of imagination and the enduring value of play.

The Horse of Jenin is brought to London by the PalArt Collective in collaboration with the Palestine Comedy Club. Produced by Troupe Courage in the Netherlands, this powerful and witty solo performance promises to be an unforgettable experience. From the 5th to the 7th of December.

Make sure to book your tickets today!

@lpffofficial wraps up another incredible year, br

@lpffofficial wraps up another incredible year, bringing essential stories from Palestine to the forefront. This year’s program highlighted themes of displacement, resilience, and justice through powerful films.

The closing screening features From Ground Zero, a remarkable collection of 22 short films created in Gaza over the past year. Spearheaded by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, the project amplifies the voices of 22 Gazan filmmakers, sharing untold stories from the ongoing war.

Join us for a relaxed performance by the Sounds Li

Join us for a relaxed performance by the Sounds Like Home Choir.
Where: Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton St, London N1 6SH
When: 4th December, 11.30am

No reservations required.

Sounds 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.
Set 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.
The project was commissioned by Counterpoints and is currently supported by the Cultural Hackney Fund.
Read more about the Sounds Like Home Choir

If 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: Ellen Muriel, choir leader, at: Ellen.muriel6@gmail.com Or Asha Wilson, project assistant, at: Ashaesmewilson@yahoo.co.uk

Calling all artists from global majority backgroun

Calling all artists from global majority backgrounds!

Are you looking for an inclusive space to share your ideas or spark inspiration for your next creative project? This Scratch Showcase is for YOU.

Whether you’re an established artist, questioning if you can claim the word, or just starting out, join us to:
💡 Share your work-in-progress
🎭 Connect with like-minded creative experimenters
🌟 Be part of an encouraging, supportive audience

📣 Who can apply?
Artists aged 18+ from global majority backgrounds or exploring themes of diaspora and migration. Whether you’re a writer, musician, filmmaker, designer, dancer, or something in between, we want to hear from you!

In the past, we’ve seen:
• Films inspired by Greek mythology
• Powerful rap performances
• Innovative piano pieces
• Plays reflecting on the trans experience

Our artists have gone on to:
• Embark on UK tours
• Showcase at BFI London Film Festival
• Secure TV production deals
• Start their own creative platforms

🔗 Apply today – link in bio! Full line-up coming soon.

This event is presented by @awatemusic , @counterpointsarts, and @southbankcentre.

We are now on Bluesky! Support us and follow us th

We are now on Bluesky! Support us and follow us there please! Link in bio

From founding Gaza’s first English-language libr

From founding Gaza’s first English-language library to sharing his poetry across the U.S., @mosababutohapoet’s journey illustrates the profound impact of displacement and the power of storytelling. Forced to leave Gaza, he carries memories of a place where loss is collective and resilience is a way of life.

Mosab Abu Toha’s book, Forest of Noise, is now out, turning poetry into an act of witness and a call for understanding.

Published by Fourth Estate (£10.99)
Featured in The Guardian by Aida Edemariam

At the 2024 Pop Culture and Social Change Retreat

At the 2024 Pop Culture and Social Change Retreat this year, we aimed to bring migration and climate justice into the heart of popular culture—moving these themes from utopian ideas to compelling stories told through charismatic characters with real, lived experiences of migration. Embedding these narratives in TV shows, films, and media we consume every day is the best way to drive change, to make migration and climate not just relevant, but relatable, tangible, and at the forefront of our human efforts.

Over three days, we connected with filmmakers, activists, and cultural leaders to explore how these issues of climate and migration are fundamentally linked. Through panels, screenings, and creative workshops, we discussed how stories can break down complex issues, tackling climate justice and migration in ways that resonate far beyond traditional advocacy.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in this work and to our partners, Comic Relief and Unbound Philanthropy, for their support, and we look forward to the amazing work that will follow #PopChange2024

It was an incredible experience bringing together

It was an incredible experience bringing together such inspiring filmmakers, cultural innovators, changemakers, and philanthropists at our 2024 Pop Culture and Social Change Retreat! 🌍✨ Over three transformative days, we explored powerful themes of climate displacement and migration narratives in TV and film, and how these stories can drive real social change.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every attendee and contributor who made this retreat so dynamic, inspiring, and full of potential. As one participant beautifully put it, “In terms of social change, this retreat could act as a catalyst for more change than any single film or TV show could, pound for pound—it was truly remarkable.”

From thought-provoking panels and workshops to late-night discussions and shared meals, every moment at Dartington Hall reminded us of the collective power of storytelling. We’re excited to keep these conversations alive and look forward to sharing what comes next from this unique gathering.

Thank you to our partners @comicrelief and Unbound Philanthropy, whose support helped bring this vision to life. Stay up to date with our Popchange programme by visiting our wbesite and signing up to our newsletter!

BIG @RefugeeWeekUK 2025 Announcement! @moominoffi

BIG @RefugeeWeekUK 2025 Announcement!

@moominofficial and @counterpointsarts are delighted to share their collaboration plans for Refugee Week 2025 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first-ever
Moomin story.

"The Moomins and the Great Flood" was originally published in 1945 by the acclaimed Finnish artist, illustrator and writer Tove Jansson. Since then, the Moomin books have inspired generations worldwide with their messages of inclusiveness, kindness and belonging.

In the UK, Moomin Characters are partnering with Counterpoints Arts to commission four artists to create four public artworks inspired by The Moomins and the Great Flood to be presented during Refugee Week.

The 4 locations & artists are:

LONDON: @southbankcentre with @tribewoodland and Nabil Amini
GATESHEAD: @balticgateshead with Henna Aiskainen and @rouahoranieh
GLOUCESTER: @glosguildhall with @dana_olarescu
BRADFORD: @bradford_2025 with @ebsil.85

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this incredible journey together. Follow our newsletter to be the first to hear of updates & how you can get involved.

📢 We Are Hiring! Opportunity: Operations Manage

📢 We Are Hiring!
Opportunity: Operations Manager (Maternity Cover)

We are looking for a Temporary Operations Manager to join our team at Counterpoints Arts, a leading organisation working at the intersection of arts, migration, and social change. This key role will oversee the smooth running of our charity’s operations during a 12-month maternity cover.

Role: Temporary Operations Manager (maternity cover)
Salary: £41,463.70 per year (pro-rata, 4 days per week)
Contract: March 2025 – March 2026 (fixed term)
Location: Hoxton, London
Deadline to apply: Sunday 19th January 2025

The successful candidate will manage administrative, financial, and HR functions, ensuring the charity remains compliant and well-organized. We welcome applicants with a background in charity operations or nonprofit management, and those whose values align with our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee finance, HR, and daily operations
Manage team wellbeing and compliance
Maintain IT systems and office logistics
Support charity governance and legal compliance
🔗 Find out more and apply—link in bio!

📢 We Are Hiring! Opportunity: Producer for our

📢 We Are Hiring!
Opportunity: Producer for our Arts & Mental Health Strand

We are looking for a talented Producer to join Counterpoints Arts and lead our Arts, Refugees & Mental Health programme. This exciting role focuses on creative projects at the intersection of arts, displacement, and mental health.

Role: Producer, Arts & Mental Health
Salary: £37,000 per year (pro-rata, 3 days per week)
Deadline to apply: Sunday 24th November 2024
Start Date: December 2024

The ideal candidate is highly organised individual with knowledge and experience of working with people with mental health issues and trauma and a knack for building collaborative relationships and partnerships to deliver creative projects and events, particularly in the arts and refugee sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Build networks within the arts, refugees, and mental health sectors
Manage creative programming and events
Collaborate with artists and ensure project success
Develop resources for Refugee Week and other initiatives
Based in London and must be willing to work from our Hoxton office 2 days a week.

🔗 Find out more and apply—link in bio!

🇵🇸 Upcoming Screenings at the London Palesti

🇵🇸 Upcoming Screenings at the London Palestine Film Festival 2024 🎬
@lpffofficial continues to bring vital stories from Palestine, showcasing films that explore displacement, resilience, and justice.

The Roller, The Life, The Fight + Virtual Screen Talk
🗓 Saturday 16 November | 15:30
📍 Garden Cinema
Follow the powerful journey of Hazem, a Palestinian refugee, and filmmaker Elettra as they document exile and resistance. Virtual Q&A with the directors will follow.

🎟 Get your tickets in bio.

Shorts Session: Sticking Together
🗓 Tuesday 26 November | 18:20
📍 Curzon Hoxton

A selection of short films on solidarity and resilience:

🎞 Hide & Seek – A boy and his fish flee war.
🎞 An Orange from Jaffa – A young man faces an Israeli checkpoint.
🎞 Palestine ‘87 – An innocent man finds refuge during the Intifada.
🎞 A Short Film About Kids – Four kids embark on a life-changing journey.
🎞 Blood Like Water – A family faces impossible choices.
🎞 Sokrania 59 – Two refugee families adjust to new lives in Germany.

🎟 Get your tickets 🇵🇸

We’re excited to be part of this year’s Scotti

We’re excited to be part of this year’s Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival, hosting an evening of performance and discussion that shines a light on the invisibilized experience of displacement through a queer lens. The evening will explore the challenges of rebuilding life while resisting the violence of discriminatory immigration systems, reminding us that mental health is inherently political.

The program features 7th Solicitor, a solo performance by @huss.ac, which reveals the dehumanizing reality of navigating the hostile environment policy in the UK. Through seven phone calls, HUSS shares his personal experience dealing with the frustrations of the visa process. We’ll also present Dissent, a powerful solo dance performance by Fadi Giha, which dives into the hidden parts of ourselves as we witness a man confronting his darkest depths in his quest for belonging and acceptance.

Following the performances, a panel discussion will reflect on queer identities, displacement, and the ability of art to speak to the unspeakable.

Join us on 26 October, 5 PM at CCA Glasgow. Tickets are available via link in bio on a Pay What You Can basis.

We’re having a fantastic day at the Journeys Fes

We’re having a fantastic day at the Journeys Festival International in Leicester, where we, together with @artreachevents co-commissioned two incredible projects:

Songs of the Water, an immersive audio-visual experience exploring urban waterways by Kaajal Mody @casualmouldy, and The House of Weaving Songs, a 360-degree audio experience inspired by Somali nomadic life by dhaqan @dhaqancollective collective. Along the journey we got to see some amazing artwork by various other great artists.

The day ends perfectly with helarious selection from our No Direction Home comedy collective.

We are pleased to share a bespoke typeface, title

We are pleased to share a bespoke typeface, titled Counterpoints-Ceasefire, gifted to us by our friends at Pentagram (partner Samar Maakaroun and her team).

We are so moved by the gesture, and hope to use it until it is not needed anymore.

@samarmaakaroun @dariusenache

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