As We Are, Might Have Been, and Could Be is the Arab British Centre’s UK-wide visual arts and talent development programme, curated by Jessica El Mal and supported by the Freelands Foundation.

We are organising two As We Are: Creative Exchange Days in partnership with Manchester’s Longsight Art Space. These days are an opportunity for people with a connection to the Arab world* to get together, get inspired, and think about practical steps you can take to help advance your creative practice. It’s also a chance for us to more deeply understand the needs of our creative community, helping us shape our artist development initiatives for the future.

Applications are open now to take part. Simply fill in this online form by 2 June.

*As We Are centres people with a connection to the 22 Arab nations – Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Applications from people with connections to these nations will be prioritised. 

The Comeback: Pursuing your creative goals after taking time off for caring responsibilities. 

Tuesday 23 June | 10:00am – 2:45pm | Longsight Art Space

The Comeback is specifically for people who have had a creative passion or career, but have had to take some time away due to caring responsibilities. From our research and development phase, the comebackers spoke to us with goals of gaining confidence, building community, getting ideas off the ground and getting back into work. So that’s exactly what our second creative exchange on Tuesday 23rd April provides you with! 

With an artist workshop from Liverpool based artist Karema Munassar, a lovely vegetarian lunch provided by Sips and Dips, and a creative goal setting workshop from The Arab British Centre’s director, Nadia El Sabai, the day will be relaxed and fun and leave you with a network of supportive people and new inspiration. Childcare bursaries are available to assist with childcare should you need it, please specify in the form.

The As We Are Network pilot workshops are a partnership between The Arab British Centre and Longsight Art Space, supported by The Freelands Foundation. 

Longsight Art Space is a community-led creative hub, founded in 2021. They believe everyone should have access to creativity, regardless of background. Their projects grow from the stories, skills and needs of local people. Focused on creativity, care, wellbeing and belonging, their space brings people together through exhibitions, workshops, and simple shared moments. 

Apply via this online form.