Sheffield, 8 July 2024 – In a groundbreaking initiative, the Tamadon Foundation, in partnership with the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), has successfully brought Arabic arts, culture, and language to mainstream schools in Sheffield through a series of engaging workshops. The initiative is part of LAAF’s Cultural Education Program, which has already reached over 1,000 students in Liverpool, and is now expanding to introduce Sheffield students to the rich traditions of the Arab world.
A Gateway to Arabic Culture
The Arabic Culture Project in Schools is designed to immerse students in Arabic heritage through hands-on experiences in music, art, and language rather than traditional classroom instruction. As LAAF puts it:
“We are not here to teach you the Arabic language; we’re here for you to experience it through our culture.”
The program introduces students to traditional Arabic music, calligraphy, geometric art, and architectural styles through expert-led workshops, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and artistic exploration.
Workshops That Sparked Enthusiasm
Held at Hind House Secondary School, the project featured five interactive workshops, each led by a renowned Arab artist:
- Geometric Art – Taught by Samira Mian, students learned about intricate Arabic patterns and created their own designs.
- Arabic Calligraphy – Led by Mohamed Al-Imam, students explored the beauty of Arabic script, writing their names in Arabic.
- Arabic Architecture – With Abeer Al-Ibbi, students discovered Yemeni ‘qamariya’ windows and created their own decorative pieces.
- Arabic Music – Conducted by Shehab Dammag, students played the Oud and explored the history and rhythms of Arabic music.
The workshops were designed to be fun, interactive, and educational, giving students a first-hand experience of Arab cultural traditions.
Student Feedback: A Resounding Success
The project received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, many of whom were engaging with Arabic culture for the first time. Some students even recognised elements of their own heritage in the workshops, fostering a deeper sense of identity and pride.
One student shared:
“The workshop was very fun, and everyone got to do something. I learned many new Arabic words and got to draw interesting patterns. The only thing I would change is to make the workshop last longer.”
Another student reflected on the music sessions:
“I really enjoyed learning about the instruments, including the guitar and Oud. Nothing could be improved, it was great.”
The calligraphy workshop was also a highlight:
“I really enjoyed learning how to write my name in Arabic. I am going to put my art on my wall at home.”
These workshops not only sparked creativity but also fostered teamwork, curiosity, and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Strengthening Cultural Exchange in Sheffield
The Tamadon Foundation and LAAF’s collaboration is a step toward enhancing multicultural education in Sheffield. By immersing students in Arabic cultural experiences, the program fosters a spirit of inclusivity and cross-cultural dialogue.
Tamadon’s vision aligns with LAAF’s long-term mission of bringing Arabic culture and heritage to classrooms across the UK, ensuring that students of all backgrounds can engage with, appreciate, and celebrate Arab arts and traditions.
Following the success of this pilot project, discussions are already underway to expand the programme to more schools across Sheffield and other UK cities, giving even more students the opportunity to explore the beauty of Arabic culture.
For more updates on future workshops and cultural initiatives, visit www.arabartsfestival.com/cultural-education-programme/ or contact info(at)tamadon.co.uk.
