COMING as a surprise to many people, Liverpool has one of Britain’s oldest Arab communities and Arabic is the second most spoken language in the city. 

Founded in 1998, the central purpose of Liverpool Arab Arts Festival is to reflect both the culture and traditions emanating from the Arab community and to assist in creating positivity. Now, over 25 years on, the festival has become central to the city’s artistic offering and is the longest running Arab Arts Festival in the UK with events focusing on both international as well as local artists and performers. 

Laura Brown, a communications specialist and creative producer who supports the festival, emphasises that as well as involving local participants, the festival champions creatives from across the Arab region and its diaspora. 

At venues across Liverpool, it showcases the richness of Arab culture through a curated programme of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre and literature events, including work by Palestinian, Yemeni and Sudanese artists that expresses creativity, hope and resilience. 

In partnership with the British Council, Port Cities, an exhibition at Space Liverpool, running until July 20, features newly commissioned work by several Arab artists that emphasises the social, economic, political and cultural heritage that is deeply connected to the roles port cities have as key centres for trade and migration and how we connect across the seas. 

After premiering in Liverpool, the exhibition will tour internationally throughout 2024. 

Laura points out that the curriculum currently taught in most schools that virtually ignores art and music - another legacy of the late Tory Government. Hence the inclusion in the festival of a Youth Music Programme. “The job is never done,’ she says, “and we have to continue working to both inspire young people and, particularly within the context of their own heritage, make young people aware they are part of local art.” 

Trying to promote the Arts is a challenge right now because of difficulty in funding. But Laura is heartened by Lisa Nandy, our new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who recently commented that art is part of culture and needs both our love and support. 

This is a small stepping stone in the right direction and hopefully from now on, people from all cultural backgrounds will not only be listened to but actually heard and understood. It’s time to develop what the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival has been promoting for the past 25 years — that art and creativity has the power to express our shared humanity. For the people. By the people. Bring it on.

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival runs from July 12-21. For more information see: arabartsfestival.com