A new multimedia exhibition has been launched in Northern England that explores the history, achievements, and experiences of Arabs in Britain through the lens of people’s relationship with nature and green spaces.
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The Manchester-based exhibition, which is free to visitors and run by the Arab British Centre, highlights stories of immigration and diaspora and the complexities of the Arab-British experience in all its intersections and diversity.
Its theme revolves around the idea of nature and is called “Al Jarida” – “the garden” in Moroccan Arabic – artists will give audiences a chance to “walk in nature through Arab eyes.”
Anglo-Moroccan creator Jessica Al-Mal, lead artist and one of the co-producers of the installation, said her inspiration for the project came when the UK was still closed and when parks, fields, and woods became just a people’s picnic.
The women-led exhibition encourages visitors to appreciate the green spaces available to them while exposing audiences to the Arab experience in modern Britain.
She emphasized that working with such an amazing group of women made me appreciate Manchester, myself, and my femininity in a whole new way. After the year we just had, this project and gallery is the lightness we all need.
“Since its first launch in 2019, the theme of Arab Britain has taken off to explore the history, achievements, and experiences of Arabs in Britain,” said Amani Hassan, director of programs at the Arab British Centre.
The program aims to overturn prejudices, challenge prejudices, reclaim the ways in which the Arab world has influenced and shaped British culture and society, and celebrate the contributions of Arabs to the country, past, and present.
“Jerada highlights the inclusive comfort and connection we can all find in nature through personal and intimate musings about home, belonging, and the strength of community,” Hassan said.
“We hope that visitors to the museum will enjoy walking in nature through the eyes of British Arabs and encouraged to reflect on their own connections to it.”
The physical exhibition will be accompanied by a digital display that gives people free access to a range of creative activities aimed at encouraging people to think about their connections to green spaces.
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Source: Ukrgate
