try and find something

17 April 2024 Dear friends, colleagues, directory users and newsletter subscribers, MENA ARTS UK emerged out of an invitation during the first lockdown in 2020. It was a modest start: a tweet to see if there was enough interest among UK-based artists with ties to the MENA/SWANA region to come together and have a collective voice. The desire for connection and community in the midst of the pandemic was immediately palpable. At the time, an industry-wide conversation was taking place about the BAME (Black Asian and Minority Ethnic) label, later to be replaced by Global Majority. For some of us, the “ME” was where we were just about visible, and there were fears about disappearing from view altogether. So, after more Zooms and town halls, MENA ARTS UK was formed based on the interests of those who were now in the room. We started out as a directory of MENA/SWANA talent working in the UK live and recorded arts but grew into a fortnightly newsletter with job opportunities, shout-outs and industry news. We collaborated to create a writer's group, secured ticket deals, produced talkbacks, film commissions, screenings, showcases and town halls and hosted creative huddles, interviews and networking events. We expanded quickly and made meaningful contributions to important conversations: Consistently categorising our communities as “Other” (e.g. “Other - Arab”) dehumanises us and erases our diversity, and this language is no longer being used by some major arts organisations in the UK. Spotlight’s “Appearance” section has been a long-standing barrier to authentic storytelling and is now being replaced. It’s been heartening to see our allies notice and take a stand with us when canonically MENA/SWANA roles continue to be miscast, though there is still much to be done. Three years later, we have made some wonderful connections, met many new friends, and found genuine allies. We have received consistent feedback about how our work has brought many of you together to be your own support networks and allowed you to be seen in a sector where we’re often asked to play everyone but ourselves. But it has also been challenging. MENA ARTS UK has always been led by a volunteer group of creatives. For many of us, this was our first experience of starting something new: leadership and decision-making. There aren’t many blueprints for how to run something like this, and so we’ve been coming up with processes and procedures as we needed them – often on the back foot, reacting to situations as they arose rather than planning proactively. We made many decisions by consensus, on the understanding that we were acting on our best intentions and that we would revisit these conversations once we had more capacity and stability. Since the beginning, questions have been asked of us, and our mission has been challenged. We are not complaining about that; it’s appropriate and correct. But sometimes, we have been too late with an answer, and even then, our answers have not always been clear. To do what we do, our values and processes need to be watertight and enforceable, but currently, they are not. So, we have made the decision to stop and take stock. We have found it very hard to make the necessary structural changes while still delivering our day-to-day activities. There is only so much depth you can go into when your time to think and have difficult conversations is borrowed from commutes, lunch breaks, bedtimes and weekends. If we continue on our current path, we will simply be tinkering endlessly around the edges when we desire a radical overhaul. We have taken down the website and cease all activity. We are in conversations with our funders about the small budget we have been given. ​ The open town hall we announced for 21 April will not take place. This doesn’t mean that we won’t examine where things went wrong. Instead, we are exploring the feasibility of monthly blog posts and/or roundtable conversations where we share our experience, engage in research, and invite everyone to ask questions and give feedback, good and bad. Some topics we think would be useful to cover are: Where should the borders of the “MENA/SWANA region” start and stop? Do our communities need producing companies, membership organisations, lobby groups or political activists? How do we determine and uphold our values? How do we fund this work, and what are the ramifications of becoming a charity? How helpful has our name been? This is not simply a question of branding but understanding if we have been monopolising this label and thereby restricting others from entering this space. We may operate in the UK and for UK-based artists, but we are linked to a global community. In the three years that we’ve been active, our communities have witnessed devastating earthquakes, famines, refugee crises, annexation, violent state suppression, military coups, massacres and war. The pain and trauma experienced by the people we work with is real and relentless. As we write this, there is a genocide happening in Gaza and an occupation in the West Bank with no end in sight. How can we offer meaningful support and not make things worse? So, what’s next? We hope to find the right platforms and partners to host our resources and facilitate these conversations. We will share updates on this process through social media, though our accounts will otherwise not be monitored and remain inactive. If you have the interest, capacity or knowledge to contribute to - or even lead - conversations like these, please reach out. Please reflect on your engagement with us, respond to the research, read the blogs, and join the roundtables. The more of us that engage in these conversations about identity, policy and governance, the better. If we find there isn't the capacity or interest to support this work, then we will read the room and not return. We know there is enormous diversity - of culture, opinion and politics - within the region we are connected to, and we may not find enough common ground to justify another iteration of MENA ARTS UK. That may, however, mean that different groups emerge to take on those elements from what we created that excite them. We never set out to be gatekeepers to our communities and have no ambitions to monopolise this work or hang onto any intellectual property. A legacy of more activities by and for the UK’s MENA/SWANA creative community is a very valuable outcome in and of itself. Thank you to everyone who has worked with us, supported us, advocated for us, critiqued us, and held us to account. Whatever happens next, we are proud of our work to date and the change we have made so far. Yours in solidarity, MENA ARTS UK info@menaarts.uk

17 April 2024 Dear friends, colleagues, directory users and newsletter subscribers, MENA ARTS UK emerged out of an invitation during the first lockdown in 2020. It was a modest start: a tweet to see if there was enough interest among UK-based artists with ties to the MENA/SWANA region to come together and have a collective voice. The desire for connection and community in the midst of the pandemic was immediately palpable. At the time, an industry-wide conversation was taking place about the BAME (Black Asian and Minority Ethnic) label, later to be replaced by Global Majority. For some of us, the “ME” was where we were just about visible, and there were fears about disappearing from view altogether. So, after more Zooms and town halls, MENA ARTS UK was formed based on the interests of those who were now in the room. We started out as a directory of MENA/SWANA talent working in the UK live and recorded arts but grew into a fortnightly newsletter with job opportunities, shout-outs and industry news. We collaborated to create a writer's group, secured ticket deals, produced talkbacks, film commissions, screenings, showcases and town halls and hosted creative huddles, interviews and networking events. We expanded quickly and made meaningful contributions to important conversations: Consistently categorising our communities as “Other” (e.g. “Other - Arab”) dehumanises us and erases our diversity, and this language is no longer being used by some major arts organisations in the UK. Spotlight’s “Appearance” section has been a long-standing barrier to authentic storytelling and is now being replaced. It’s been heartening to see our allies notice and take a stand with us when canonically MENA/SWANA roles continue to be miscast, though there is still much to be done. Three years later, we have made some wonderful connections, met many new friends, and found genuine allies. We have received consistent feedback about how our work has brought many of you together to be your own support networks and allowed you to be seen in a sector where we’re often asked to play everyone but ourselves. But it has also been challenging. MENA ARTS UK has always been led by a volunteer group of creatives. For many of us, this was our first experience of starting something new: leadership and decision-making. There aren’t many blueprints for how to run something like this, and so we’ve been coming up with processes and procedures as we needed them – often on the back foot, reacting to situations as they arose rather than planning proactively. We made many decisions by consensus, on the understanding that we were acting on our best intentions and that we would revisit these conversations once we had more capacity and stability. Since the beginning, questions have been asked of us, and our mission has been challenged. We are not complaining about that; it’s appropriate and correct. But sometimes, we have been too late with an answer, and even then, our answers have not always been clear. To do what we do, our values and processes need to be watertight and enforceable, but currently, they are not. So, we have made the decision to stop and take stock. We have found it very hard to make the necessary structural changes while still delivering our day-to-day activities. There is only so much depth you can go into when your time to think and have difficult conversations is borrowed from commutes, lunch breaks, bedtimes and weekends. If we continue on our current path, we will simply be tinkering endlessly around the edges when we desire a radical overhaul. In seven days' time, we will take down the website (24th April at 22:00) and cease all activity. We are in conversations with our funders about the small budget we have been given. The open town hall we announced for 21 April will not take place. This doesn’t mean that we won’t examine where things went wrong. Instead, we are exploring the feasibility of monthly blog posts and/or roundtable conversations where we share our experience, engage in research, and invite everyone to ask questions and give feedback, good and bad. Some topics we think would be useful to cover are: Where should the borders of the “MENA/SWANA region” start and stop? Do our communities need producing companies, membership organisations, lobby groups or political activists? How do we determine and uphold our values? How do we fund this work, and what are the ramifications of becoming a charity? How helpful has our name been? This is not simply a question of branding but understanding if we have been monopolising this label and thereby restricting others from entering this space. We may operate in the UK and for UK-based artists, but we are linked to a global community. In the three years that we’ve been active, our communities have witnessed devastating earthquakes, famines, refugee crises, annexation, violent state suppression, military coups, massacres and war. The pain and trauma experienced by the people we work with is real and relentless. As we write this, there is a genocide happening in Gaza and an occupation in the West Bank with no end in sight. How can we offer meaningful support and not make things worse? So, what’s next? We hope to find the right platforms and partners to host our resources and facilitate these conversations. We will share updates on this process through social media, though our accounts will otherwise not be monitored and remain inactive. If you have the interest, capacity or knowledge to contribute to - or even lead - conversations like these, please reach out. Please reflect on your engagement with us, respond to the research, read the blogs, and join the roundtables. The more of us that engage in these conversations about identity, policy and governance, the better. If we find there isn't the capacity or interest to support this work, then we will read the room and not return. We know there is enormous diversity - of culture, opinion and politics - within the region we are connected to, and we may not find enough common ground to justify another iteration of MENA ARTS UK. That may, however, mean that different groups emerge to take on those elements from what we created that excite them. We never set out to be gatekeepers to our communities and have no ambitions to monopolise this work or hang onto any intellectual property. A legacy of more activities by and for the UK’s MENA/SWANA creative community is a very valuable outcome in and of itself. Thank you to everyone who has worked with us, supported us, advocated for us, critiqued us, and held us to account. Whatever happens next, we are proud of our work to date and the change we have made so far. Yours in solidarity, MENA ARTS UK info@menaarts.uk

sound mixer lighting designer teacher fight director actor writer designer production manager singer director composer sound mixer lighting designer teacher fight director actor writer designer production manager singer director composer sound mixer lighting designer teacher fight director actor writer designer production manager singer director composer what's coming up 17th April 2024 statement about our future our free newsletter Every fortnight we’ll send info on upcoming opportunities, announcements and news of interest to MENA+ people in the industry. who we are A new arts organisation for UK-based professionals who are connected to the MENA+ region (Middle East, North Africa and the surrounding area). we celebrate the talent of our membership. strive to be at the heart of conversations around our identity. be our own support network. lobby for the appropriate representation. advocate for change to increase access and opportunities for employment. find out more our directory For too long people have said ‘If only we could find a (fill in the blank) from the MENA region. We are here and it’s time to be seen. Our directory aims to list the MENA+ arts professionals currently working in the UK live and recorded Arts. This includes - but is not limited to - creatives, technicians and academics. directory get our free newsletter * these fields are required I accept terms & conditions. View terms here. submit MENA+ region for us is Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Assyria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kurdistan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara and Yemen. When reading this list, please also be aware of our Value Statement which you can read here what does MENA+ mean? If you like what we are doing, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small. our Go Fund Me page

press releases ​

film commissions ​ In December 20 20 we invited artists and filmmakers across the UK to conceive a new one-minute film, exploring the question: How should the MENA+ arts community celebrate what we have in common? The result is eight enchanting, joyful, and thought-provoking films spanning animation, music, poetry, dance, installation and comedy. missed our live launch event? watch that here. watch all 8 films in our selected order digital programme here subtitles in English audio described subtitles in a language of the filmmakers' choosing or watch all 8 films individually ​ A Cube in Love by Majid Adin A Cube In Love tells a symbolic story of a journey from ancient wisdom to love, from love to truth, and truth to creation. Majid Adin studied fine art and animation in Iran, where he was arrested because of the political nature of his work. He fled his country and arrived in the UK in 2016. He now lives in London and works as an artist. He won a prestigious competition to create the official music video for Sir Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’. He is currently working on his first graphic novel, ‘Hamid and Shakespeare’ which will be published in April 2021. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Farsi audio described extra version: narration in Farsi ​ Mrs El Araby by May Ziadé Mrs El Araby explores the restricted space within which Arab women are allowed to exist in white Western media. May Ziade is French-Lebanese and works on other people's films and her own. She has written stories and poems that were adapted into comics and short films, and worked as a producer’s assistant on high-budget productions. She is currently working on her first short-film, 'Neo-Nahda'. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Classical Arabic audio described ​ ​ Intimate Births by Bint Mbareh Mushrooms facilitate death in many ecosystems: they ensure death is a transformation rather than an ending. Bint Mbareh's film juxtaposes this momentous event - dying - with shared everyday places and acts to posit that death/transformation is a daily practice and can be conducive to growth if it is removed from taboo. Bint Mbareh is a first-time filmmaker with experience in television production, songwriting and an interest in sound. Her most recent research was an exploration of how rain-summoning song and ritual in Palestine acted and may continue to act as a ritual of time-bending. Several installations and performances down the line, the singer was offered the MENA Arts UK grant to explore death with the Palestinian sonic and musical tradition in mind. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Palestinian Arabic audio described ​ Robin Clewle Kiss Between Our Borders by Amina Atiq Kiss Between our Borders is a metaphorical & historical love story between an Ethiopian coffee plant and Yemeni farmer. Home lives between our walls and it never left - we left home. Amina Atiq is a Yemeni–Scouse poet, performance artist and activist. Award winning for her active & community engagement work, Curious Minds Young Associate for and BBC Words First Finalist 19. She is currently writing her first one-woman show, Broken Biscuits to explore her gran-mothers 1970s Yemeni- Scouse household to untangle what it means to be British. She is currently a remote writer in residence with Queensland Poetry Festival and Metal Southend. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Yemeni Arabic audio described ​ ​ Unveil Your Eyes by Maral Mamaghanizadeh Unveil Your Eyes is the expression of my experience as a Deaf refugee moving to the UK, acknowledging that I still see my life and my home town of Birmingham through the lens and experiences of my upbringing in Iran and the Middle East. Maral Mamaghanizadeh is a Deaf Iranian artist. Her work explores the barriers she encounters in everyday life, being Deaf, female and a refugee. Maral communicates through her artworks, combining feminism and cultural politics. In 2017, Maral became a political refugee as her work, ‘The Politics of Voice; The Tale of Tresses’ directly challenged the patriarchal society in Iran. Her work continues to challenge stereotypes, break boundaries and open people’s hearts and minds. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Farsi audio described ​ ​ Third Culture Glitch by Jida Akil Third Culture Glitch is an interpretation of reconnecting with cultural roots as a foreigner to one's heritage. The film visualises the process of exploring cultural heritage–in my case Syria–through model-making and stop-motion. Jida Akil is a Syrian/Lebanese early-career theatre designer currently based between London & Cyprus. She designs set & costume for both theatre and dance with a design-led devising approach. The themes of her work often revolve around political and socio-economic issues which also explore dramaturgy inspired by lived experience. Jida is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Performance Design at Central Saint Martins. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Classical Arabic audio described ​ ​ Darbouka by Nooriyah Qais Darbouka is a physical conversation between three Middle Eastern and North African dancers who are geographically separate yet connected by the beat of the drums. Celebrating three dance disciplines that express different parts of their identities, they unite through the heartbeat of the region, the darbouka. Nooriyah Qais is a DJ, presenter and filmmaker. As a DJ, she is known for playing upbeat popular records infused with Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) sounds, paying homage to her heritage. She is currently a MENA specialist resident at Foundation FM and Plus 1 Radio. As a filmmaker, she explores the themes of home, culture and gender with films showcased at the V&A Museum, Liverpool Arab Arts festival and more. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Modern Standard Arabic audio described extra version: final credits in Arabic Ray Roberts The Art of Uprising by Peyvand Sadeghian The Art of Uprising is a celebration of the ability amongst diasporic artists to imagine different futures. Peyvand Sadeghian is an Actor, Puppeteer and Theatre Maker born, bred and based in London to Iranian and Chinese parents. Recent credits include: DUAL دوگانه (Vault Festival Show of the Week 2020), Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran (Fringe First 2019). Although she has experience in front of the screen, this will be her first time making a short film. link to directory profile subtitles in English & Farsi audio described ​ Our thanks go to our judges: ​ Sabrina Mahfouz (playwright/poet), Hannah Khalil (playwright), Saeed Taji Farouky (film director), Sepy Baghaei (theatre director, head judge, and MENA Arts UK co-vice chair). ​ ​ If you like what we are doing, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small.

an open letter to the producers of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

PRIVACY POLICY Privacy policy, Terms & Conditions for MENA Arts UK mailing list TERMS & CONDITIONS ‘The newsletter’ refers to the MENA Arts UK fortnightly newsletter. ‘Users’ refers to registered users of this service. ‘Members’ refers to registered members of MENA Arts UK who may or may not also be subscribed to the newsletter. By subscribing to our mailing list, you agree to receive newsletters and other correspondence from us. The aim of the newsletter service is to keep our members and users updated on our work as well as to link them to opportunities within the industry and to external resources we believe are of use and/or interest to our community and to start or continue conversations with our membership on events within the arts. Subscription to the newsletter is not mandatory The newsletter is managed by the MENA Arts UK Membership Liaison. Any queries about the mailing list, as well as requests to include information or opportunities in the newsletter, can be sent to members@menaarts.uk . The frequency of the newsletter will be fortnightly. In the event that a large number of opportunities for the members are sent to us, or a specifically time-sensitive opportunity is sent to us, an additional newsletter will be sent out. We reserve the right to either modify or discontinue the newsletter at any time with or without notice. We will not be liable to any third party should we exercise such right. Any new features that augment or enhance the newsletter under the above aims wills also be subject to these terms of use. We reserve the right to unsubscribe users from our newsletter service without notice. We will do so with any subscriber we deem to be registered with fake data. Upon registration, you will receive an email confirming your subscription to the newsletter. You have the right to remove yourself from the newsletter subscription at any time. If you wish to unsubscribe, you can do this either by clicking the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the newsletter or by emailing members@menaarts.uk with a request to be removed from the list. Should you unsubscribe from the newsletter, your Personal Information will be removed from our mailing list. PRIVACY POLICY ​ This privacy policy sets out how MENA Arts UK uses and protects any information that you give to us for the purposes of delivering the newsletter and other email correspondence. ​ MENA ARTS UK is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. We require certain Personal Information to deliver this service. All Personal Information collected will only be used to in accordance with GDPR rules and for the purposes laid out in our Terms & Conditions. This information will never be shared with any third parties without your express written consent. MENA ARTS UK may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 11th November 2020. ​ What we collect: contact information including name and email address. This includes any ‘profile picture’ you have uploaded to your email client. Security – We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online, in accordance with GDPR rules. MailChimp (the email client used by MENA ARTS UK to deliver the newsletter) uses encryption to protect your information. Any queries about how your information is held by MENA ARTS UK – including information on our procedures – can be directed to the Company Secretary at info@menaarts.uk . Requests for details of the Personal Information we hold on you can also be made through this address. Links to other websites – The newsletter will periodically contain links to other websites of interest or to specific pages of information. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question. ​ Policy for Children – If you are a MENA+ artist/creative/other industry worker who is under 18, we will require express written consent from your Parent/Guardian to add your information to our mailing list and deliver the newsletter. We are currently unable to hold any information on children under age 13. If you become aware of any information we have collected from children under age 13, please contact us immediately at info@menaarts.uk . All Parents/Guardians must be aware that we share opportunities from within our industry, some of which may include details of sensitive topics and it is up to each Parent/Guardian to determine the suitability of the newsletter for their child. ​ If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please email us as soon as possible, at info@menaarts.uk . We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

information is key: connecting us together and building on what we already know. read past newsletters here and make sure you are signed up to our free mailing list. * these fields are required submit I accept terms & conditions. View terms here.

catch up with Sally El Hosaini Sally El Hosaini, a feature film writer / director whose acclaimed debut feature, My Brother The Devil, picked up major prizes at Sundance, Berlin and London Film Festivals. In conversation with Arian Nik

Share Link Copied members area edit your page first Heading 2 last name photo credit statement sector area of work other area of work recent credit latest jobb ​ training skills craft biography Heading 2 languages languaages other languages region base class straight trans-male nuro-diverse agent name agent web agent email linkedIn insta email other contact

evaluation by Gregory Nash on our first year of activity

our competition is now closed winners announcement here We are thrilled to announce a competition alongside the launch of our online directory . We will be commissioning eight artists (or teams of artists) with a connection to the Middle East, North Africa and surrounding areas to capture their work on film. Each winner will receive £1000 to create a one minute (60 seconds) work that is filmed, responding to the question: ‘How should the MENA+ arts community celebrate what we have in common?’ This commission is open to MENA+ artists working in any field. You don’t have to be a film-maker: you just have to be able to capture your work digitally. We encourage applications from all artists working in the live and recorded arts, whether you’re a poet, playwright, performer, director, musician, sound designer, dancer, film-maker, animator, multimedia artist, puppeteer - or anything else that can be captured on film. Recordings can be done through any medium (eg smartphone, camera, or digital software), although we would expect them to be of broadcast quality. Submissions are open to members of the MENA Arts UK directory. Signing up is free, and can be done here . (Please note: if applying as a team, each artist must be signed up to the database). ​ We have assembled a panel of industry professionals to serve as judges and select the winning applicants. These are: Sepy Baghaei Hannah Khalil Sabrina Mahfouz Saeed Taji Farouky Richard Saker Simeon Qsyeaa Greg Morrison Dan Milnor The winning commissions will be released digitally in March 2021, alongside a Q&A with the artists behind each film. Applying Applications are now open until 29th December at 12pm . We will inform all app licants of the result of their applications on 11th January, 2021. Selected artists will have from 12th January to 15th February to create their work and send it to us. The commissioned works will be released digitally in March 2021. If you are thinking of applying, we have created an application pack that should tell you everything you need to know: ​ For a PDF of the application pack, click ​ ​ For a word document version, click ​ Click on the play icon to listen to an audio version here here 00:00 / 07:17 You can apply by filling out an online form. We recognise that written forms may not be suitable for everyone, so you can also apply via a voice recording OR a visual presentation. Details on what is required for each format is in the application pack. To apply: Click here to submit a written application form Click here to submit a voice recording application Click here to submit a visual application ​ Contact If you have any questions about the commission, or if you’re not sure if this opportunity is right for you, please get in touch with Sepy Baghaei, head judge and Co-Vice Chair of MENA Arts UK at info@menaarts.uk ​ ​ ​

look back at our past events here or read old newsletters here Creative Approaches to Music & Sound Design 6 December 2021 Access Training with 'Stand And Be Counted' 18 November 2021 Storytelling from Queer Perspectives 22 October 2021 friday hangout 3 with Amir El-Masry 5 March 2021 Smashing Stereotypes: a Comedy Workshop 4 December 2021 Inclusive MENA+ Stories for Children 15 November 2021 new film commission launch 26 March 2021 friday hangout 2 with Abi Zakarian 19 February 2021 Writing a Successful Ace Application 30 November 2021 DIY Intro to Stop Motion Animation 2 November 2021 friday hangout 4 with Khyam Allami 19 March 2021 8 film competition winners announced 15 February 2021

catch up with Abi Zakarian Abi Zakarian, an award-winning British-Armenian writer whose plays include Perfect Myth Allegory, produced by Jermyn Street Theatre; I am Karyan Ophidian, produced by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; and Fabric, produced by Tremers for Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016, winning a Fringe First Award. In conversation with Jessie Bedrossian. ​

Anchor 1 our directory: grid view list view clear filter Sale go bring to the top...* Sale single view xxx found. (and list) or no Sale * by those who choose to self identify ​ προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ film, radio, gaming, music, opera, dance, animation, theatre, tv ​ ​ ​ report cf0db30d-bae7-461f-9231-d86944896d4a Ανοιξε 101366 Abi προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Zakarian ​ Armenia, Iraq English ​ theatre, tv, radio writer ​ Abi is an award-winning British-Armenian writer for stage, radio, TV and film. She is originally from the East Midlands and is now based in London. report 6a65f2e3-df33-4177-8f1f-9e940169a213 Ανοιξε 942071 Adi προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Gortler Hila Tomer Israel Hebrew, English ​ theatre, opera, tv, film choreographer, director, dramaturg, educator, intimacy director, movement director, performer, writer ​ Adi is a London-based movement director (Royal Court, Jermyn Street, Park Theatre, LAMDA), teacher (LAMDA, RCSSD, W/S), and director (The Arab-Hebrew Theatre, Haifa International Children’s Festival) report eb4bff6f-53fd-4ff8-ac44-76e5649b3a1d Ανοιξε 850982 Ahmad προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Sakhi Michael shelford Afghanistan Dari Persian, Dari Persian - Herat, Pashtun, English ​ film, theatre, tv, gaming, radio actor ​ Ahmad is a British Afghan actor, fluent in dari and based in London/ Manchester report befdf007-8781-4844-9681-d7ed7ce03fc0 Ανοιξε 584169 Aida προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Golghazi Mark Hillyer Iran Farsi, English, German ​ film, theatre, tv, music actor, voice over artist ​ I'm a Persian actress and writer born in Hamburg and I speak fluent Farsi, English and native German. report 7fb4f8c7-e8d4-43b0-b951-bebff2e9ecc7 Ανοιξε 205412 Ala προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Buisir ​ Libya Arabic - Libyan, English ​ film, tv artist, assistant director, director, editor, lighting, producer, stills photographer, videographer ​ I grew up in tough situations. I try to bring somewhat of a change through my art by telling stories. I am currently doing my PhD on breaking stereotypes of Muslim women through visual arts. report 2ddf38bc-7c8a-43a7-b60b-7e9e837a04c5 Ανοιξε 180488 Alex προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Kais Michael Carlo Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine Arabic, Arabic - Lebanese, English ​ theatre, music, film, tv actor, artist, educator, performer, producer, singer ​ Alex Kais is a Canadian born actor who is half Lebanese and half Jordanian. He has a passion for singing and acting and loves bringing art to life through the world of theatre. report 4770462d-c498-423a-9426-f2202f1b66ff Ανοιξε 270720 Alexandra προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Boulton Harry Livingstone Türkiye English, French Mandarin theatre, film, tv, radio, gaming, animation actor, voice over artist (+ home studio), voice over artist, writer, writer screen ​ British-Turkish-American actor, writer & voiceover artist with home studio report 6b6a8ca7-0723-4864-961d-2c6401db6fd4 Ανοιξε 709279 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Taie ​ Egypt, Iraq Arabic - Egyptian, Arabic - Iraqi, English ​ theatre, gaming musician, sound ​ An Iraqi-born sound designer from a music background, with interest and experience in electronic microtonal music, and experimental sound design report 28b5d819-4491-4bc3-8e0e-c863ae0b0f28 Ανοιξε 843168 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Azhar Anna Rakhvalova Morocco Arabic, Arabic - Moroccan/Darija, English, French, Spanish ​ film, tv, theatre actor, dancer ​ Hello, I hope this finds you well. I'm Ali Azhar, a French-Moroccan actor based in London. Looking forward to hear from you! Kind regards, Ali. report a5d9f211-2684-431a-8b15-a8b8c406699d Ανοιξε 130328 Aaron προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Kilercioglu ​ Türkiye Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English, German ​ film, theatre, tv director, dramaturg, videographer, writer ​ Turkish Writer & Director for stage & screen. report cf7fc303-bd47-4f06-8028-63bf02f63557 Ανοιξε 898348 Ada προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Burke Kirill Kozlov Türkiye Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English ​ film, theatre, tv actor, performer, voice over artist ​ Actress, Voiceover Artist, Performer report d43bc1f3-c6ec-4f00-a278-607b0a618892 Ανοιξε 536247 Afsaneh προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Dehrouyeh YellowBellyPhoto Iran Dari Persian, Farsi, English ​ film, theatre, tv, radio actor, voice over artist (+ home studio) ​ Afsaneh is a British Iranian actor, fluent in Farsi and based in London. report 0a851f1c-5659-4778-a532-697fdf353d0c Ανοιξε 521096 Ahmed προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Hamad Steve Lawton Saudi Arabia, Sudan Arabic, Arabic - Sudanese, English ​ theatre, film, tv actor, dancer, musician, singer puppeteer Ahmed was born in Saudi Arabia to Sudanese parents. Since moving to the UK at the age of 1, Ahmed trained at ArtsEd and is now an actor based in London. report 0221c610-4ab2-4018-9284-7f6b8f7c0b1b Ανοιξε 253356 Ajjaz προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Awad-Ibrahim ​ Sudan English ​ theatre, tv, gaming, film, radio actor, assistant director, dancer, director, singer, voice over artist, voice over artist (+ home studio), writer Puppeteer I am a mixed British and East African creative, born and raised in Brixton. When not making theatre, I love dancing flamenco/salsa and playing with my puppets. report ecdc1f3c-3143-4c96-b731-29c771c3d382 Ανοιξε 548920 Alaa προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Alsaraji ​ Iran, Iraq Arabic - Iraqi, English, German ​ theatre artist, educator illustrator, designer Alaa is a London-based visual artist, illustrator, designer and creative facilitator. report ac7fc319-cec7-4b8b-8814-c01601deacb1 Ανοιξε 867853 Alex James προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Nicola Tim Mowbray Cyprus Cypriot Greek, Cypriot Greek Modern Standard, Greek, English ​ film, theatre, tv actor, educator, writer ​ Over his 20 year career in the industry, Alex has appeared in over 80 productions, across film and stage. report 4068f529-5856-4001-a7b6-a94ab3f6fb44 Ανοιξε 478193 Alexandra προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Kambanella YellowBelly Cyprus Cypriot Greek, Cypriot Greek Modern Standard, English ​ theatre, tv, film actor, performer, voice over artist ​ Alexandra is British-Cypriot actor, born & raised in London and graduated from Rose Bruford College in 2021. report 739eb61d-76f7-45fe-a134-cce6a74161ec Ανοιξε 797002 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Barouti Frances Bell Morocco Arabic - Moroccan/Darija, English ​ film, theatre, tv actor, voice over artist ​ Actor born in London with a Moroccan Heritage. report 6192010f-3d28-43c4-94e6-b23165fad459 Ανοιξε 645567 Ali Cihan προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Yilmaz cihan Türkiye Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English ​ film, tv, music camera dept cinematographer Hello, I am a London based Cinematographer / Camera Operator with creative eye for detail and dedication to quality work. I have 20 years experiences as a camera ast., focus puller, camera opt.and Cinematographer report 88acc40a-065b-44fb-a5a5-61fb270f6a34 Ανοιξε 239892 Abdulaziz προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Angaoi Abdulaziz Angaoi Jordan, Palestine Arabic, Arabic - Jordanian, Arabic - Lebanese, Arabic - Levantine/Shami, Arabic - Palestinian, English ​ film, radio, theatre, tv actor, dialect coach, editor, educator, poet, translator, voice coach, voice over artist, writer ​ I am a teacher trainer, interpreter, subtler, content writer, voice actor, novelist, editor, script write, dialect coach. Cultural sensitivity trainer for Arabic-English. report 92c868dd-e75f-4d20-95db-0877ab8b33fc Ανοιξε 649751 Adam προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Seridji YellowBellyPhoto Algeria English ​ theatre, tv, film actor, poet ​ Actor and Spoken Word Artist from South London. report 2a8c6cfc-b2fc-4582-81b2-0489498d3c0a Ανοιξε 237842 Afsaneh προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Gray Rosemary Rance Iran English, French ​ opera, radio, theatre, tv writer ​ Afsaneh is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter of dual Iranian/British Jewish heritage, born in the UK. report 7edbb04e-a118-49c9-80dc-5b1ac8058ba1 Ανοιξε 539806 Ahmet προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Ahmet Katie Cotterell Cyprus, Türkiye Turkish - Cypriot, Turkish - Standard/Istanbul, English ​ theatre assistant director, co-ordinator, educator, movement director, producer Youth director I am theatre and cultural leader working in both the UK theatre sector and education. report fc72972f-6d4a-487e-b04e-d7a318d5a937 Ανοιξε 521932 Akin προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Gazi Luca Teuchmann Cyprus, Türkiye Turkish - Cypriot, English ​ film, radio, theatre, tv actor, voice over artist, writer ​ Actor/Writer born in London with Turkish Cypriot heritage. report b0f4a4a4-d505-49df-9c3e-b35aa726e619 Ανοιξε 275600 Alan προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Mehdizadeh Andy Brown Iran, Kurdistan English ​ film, theatre, tv actor, casting director, performer, singer, voice over artist, voice over artist (+ home studio) ​ British-Iranian actor, and now agent. Having performed on stage & screen, I now run the agency Avenue Management report 551b4c91-9e1d-4c8a-80a0-51031de4e56c Ανοιξε 584148 Alexander προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Bittar ​ Lebanon Arabic - Lebanese, English, French ​ film, radio, theatre, tv actor, performer, writer stage ​ Hello, I'm Alexander, a French-English-Lebanese actor/writer living in London. I love to collaborate with my work, and am very receptive to working on projects together so please do not hesitate to reach out! report bd08dfff-18a3-4add-b711-7355aa98962c Ανοιξε 342311 Alfred προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Clay ​ Iran, Oman English ​ film, theatre, tv actor ​ Born in England to an English father. My mother, is rather polyethnic. She was born in Zanzibar, Tanzania and the blood she carries comes from Tanzania, Iran, Oman and Nomads. I am an Arab-Afro-Anglo. report 75750f92-c8be-4138-bbb9-4955c883dca7 Ανοιξε 110859 Ali προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Al-Jamri Ali Al-Jamri Bahrain Arabic, Arabic - Bahraini, English ​ theatre editor, educator, poet, press & marketing, producer, translator, writer ​ Poet, Producer, Editor, Facilitator, Writer, Translator. Bahraini. Manchester. Arabic/English. SWANA. report 91237c4a-60ea-4fbc-b731-706e05c605ae Ανοιξε 805891 Alistair προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα προσθήκη στη σύντομη λίστα Chekaoui ​ Algeria English, French ​ film director, producer, writer ​ British-Algerian writer-director. Currently looking for Arabic/Middle Eastern ACTOR for lead role in feature film BIRDCAGE. Oskaar runs away from his repressive family life to join an all-accepting camp in the woods report 37ad6c3e-6720-47c0-b69d-82f004d8792c Ανοιξε 287131 show more back up

steering group the founding group summer 2021 left to right Laura Hanna Ramzi DeHani Nadia Emam Laila Alj Jessie Bedrossian Kerry Kyriacos Michael Sepy Baghaei Arian Nik Lara Sawalha Lanna Joffrey Shireen Farkhoy Philip Arditti Penny Babakhani in alphabetical order Laila Alj (founding member) Laïla is an actor from Casablanca, Morocco. She moved to London 10 years ago to pursue an MA at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Prior to that, she lived in the States where she studied theatre at Northwestern University. Philip Arditti (founding member) Philip grew up in the Jewish community of Istanbul and moved to London in ‘99. He trained at RADA as an actor and was part of the team that set up the Arcola Theatre where he was an Associate Producer. Philip is also a writer and theatre-maker. ​​ ​ Penny Babakhani (joined january 2021) Penny Penny is an Iranian-German producer whose independent practice centres migrant and multicultural artists. She is also currently producing for Company Three and the Old Vic 12, having previously worked across production, programming and administration in the commercial touring sector. ​ Lanna Joffrey (joined january 2021) Lanna is an Iranian performer/writer working in the UK and US. She has enjoyed performing extensively in theatre, film, audio projects and her spoken word, which has been published in print and online. ​ Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE - (founder) Kerry is a British Cypriot who was the Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East for 13 years. He now freelances and develops work through his production company: Kyriacos and Company. ​ hall of friends Previous steering group Ahmet Ahmet (founding member - dec 2020) Ahmet is a Turkish Londoner. He is the Outreach Director for ‘The Stage’ Newspaper where he leads the ‘Get Into Theatre’ initiative. Ahmet is also a theatre lecturer and research module leader at Trinity Laban. He is currently a PhD research student at Central School of Speech and Drama. ​ Sepy Baghaei - co vice-chair (founding member - nov 2023) Sepy is a theatre director of Iranian origin. She grew up in Australia and moved to the UK in 2013. Since then, she has worked with a range of British theatre companies including English Touring Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She is currently Associate Director at The Space Theatre. ​ Jessie Bedrossian (founding member - aug 2022) Jessie is an Armenian actress and recent graduate from Mountview on the BA Acting course. Being relatively new to the industry, Jess is really excited to be taking on the role of Membership Liaison. Jess aims to bridge the gap between the members and the steering group, encourage a safe space for open dialogue, and to continue to champion the wonderful voices within our community. Ramzi DeHani - c ompany s ecretary (founder - june 2022) Ramzi is a Palestinian / Libyan actor born & raised in London. He trained at the Oxford School of Drama and has worked internationally in Film, Theatre, TV and Radio with arts organisations including the BBC, The National Theatre & Creative Europe. He will be supported by Shireen Farkhoy, who has offered to take minutes of any meetings we have. ​ Nadia Emam (january 2021 - june 2022 ) Nadia is a director, poet and facilitator based in Sheffield, where she is a supported artist of Sheffield Theatres. In 2019 she was awarded a placement with Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme at Stephen Joseph Theatre. Her first poetry film won the WEX Short Film Competition and was part of the BFI’s Northern Exposure Short Film Programme. She is currently developing her debut short film with Candle & Bell, funded by BFI NETWORK. ​ Shireen Farkhoy (founding member - aug 2022) Shireen is a British-Iranian Actress / Screenwriter, born & raised in Leeds. She trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and continues to work extensively in Theatre, TV and Radio. Shireen is currently writing her debut 6 x 30’ TV dramedy series. ​ Laura Hanna (founding member - april 2024) Laura is an Egyptian-English actress, singer, theatre-maker and writer, born and bred in London. She also works as a coach in communication and presentation skills, co-founding her company The Pitch Process in 2018 and running workshops for organisations and charities, in schools and prisons. ​ Arian Nik (original member - aug 2022) Arian is a British-Iranian actor born & raised in Leeds. He studied BA Acting at Mountview Academy where he also served as Board Member from 2016-2019. ​ Lara Sawalha (founding member - aug 2022) Lara is a Jordanian-British actor based in London. She graduated from Italia Conti Performing Arts Theatre School and has since been working regularly in Theatre/TV and Voice. head back

competition time (is now closed) winners announcement here We are thrilled to announce a competition alongside the launch of our online directory . We will be commissioning eight artists (or teams of artists) with a connection to the Middle East, North Africa and surrounding areas to capture their work on film. Each winner will receive £1000 to create a one minute (60 seconds) work that is filmed, responding to the question: ‘How should the MENA+ arts community celebrate what we have in common?’ This commission is open to MENA+ artists working in any field. You don’t have to be a film-maker: you just have to be able to capture your work digitally. We encourage applications from all artists working in the live and recorded arts, whether you’re a poet, playwright, performer, director, musician, sound designer, dancer, film-maker, animator, multimedia artist, puppeteer - or anything else that can be captured on film. Recordings can be done through any medium (eg smartphone, camera, or digital software), although we would expect them to be of broadcast quality. Submissions are open to members of the MENA Arts UK directory. Signing up is free, and can be done here . (Please note: if applying as a team, each artist must be signed up to the database). ​ We have assembled a panel of industry professionals to serve as judges and select the winning applicants. These are: Sepy Baghaei Hannah Khalil Sabrina Mahfouz Saeed Taji Farouky Richard Saker Simeon Qsyeaa Greg Morrison Dan Milnor The winning commissions will be released digitally in March 2021, alongside a Q&A with the artists behind each film. Applying Applications are now open until 29th December at 12pm . We will inform all app licants of the result of their applications on 11th January, 2021. Selected artists will have from 12th January to 15th February to create their work and send it to us. The commissioned works will be released digitally in March 2021. If you are thinking of applying, we have created an application pack that should tell you everything you need to know: ​ For a PDF of the application pack, click ​ ​ For a word document version, click ​ Click on the play icon to listen to an audio version here here 00:00 / 07:17 You can apply by filling out an online form. We recognise that written forms may not be suitable for everyone, so you can also apply via a voice recording OR a visual presentation. Details on what is required for each format is in the application pack. To apply: Click here to submit a written application form Click here to submit a voice recording application Click here to submit a visual application ​ Contact If you have any questions about the commission, or if you’re not sure if this opportunity is right for you, please get in touch with Sepy Baghaei, head judge and Co-Vice Chair of MENA Arts UK at info@menaarts.uk ​ ​ ​

mission statement September 2020 MENA+ professionals in the UK Live & Recorded Arts (Middle East, North Africa and surrounding area) We are a UK-based not-for-profit Arts organisation for professionals who work in Live & Recorded Arts and are connected to the Middle East, North Africa or the surrounding area. We seek: VISION For MENA+ professionals to shape, and thrive in, the UK Live & Recorded Arts. MISSION Increasing access to opportunities of employment. Celebrate the talent of the membership. Be at the heart of conversations around our identity. Be our own support network. Lobby for the appropriate representation. Advocate for change. ACTIONS (live and evolving) Increasing access to opportunities of employment Have an easy to use website that showcases the members and their skills. Proactively connect employers to our members. Seek out and share job opportunities for MENA+ talent. Celebrate the talent of the membership Have a vibrant online presence through social media platforms and our website. Organise events to showcase the collective power of the membership. Be at the heart of conversations around our identity Share members’ achievements. Cultivate partnerships with print and online media to get MENA+ stories commissioned. Cultivate relationships with funders, academics and policymakers to increase visibility. To lead on education and learning around our collective and individual histories. ​ Be our own support network Have regular events that facilitate connections and collaboration between members. Organise bespoke training events. Distribute information on external events, training or articles that may be of interest. Lobby for the appropriate representation. Use social media to amplify the work of MENA Arts UK. Organise events where we can help shape public opinion about the membership. Audit the current landscape and expose the barriers. Advocate for change. Populate as many platforms as we can to get our voice heard. Build alliances with our industry Unions and other trade associations. ​ VALUES Be inclusive and welcoming. Focus on our creativity and the positives that link us together. Acknowledge our diverse, and sometimes conflicting opinions. Not shy away from lobbying on issues the membership wants to address. Defend our members’ right to activism outside of this group. Be mindful not to put ourselves in competition with other marginalised groups. ​ THE SMALL PRINT MENA+ stands for Middle East, North Africa and the surrounding area. We acknowledge this acronym may be problematic to some. We are using it for now and have an open approach to developing the term in the future. We are a membership organisation. A member is anyone who identifies as belonging to this group through, but not limited to, receiving emails, participating in events and making use of our services. We are a not-for-profit organisation with ambitions to be a registered charity. We are governed by an elected steering group that includes a company secretary, treasurer, chairperson and two vice-chairs. We will hold onto all member data in full compliance with GDPR guidelines. ​ ​ Our position on endorsement One of our main areas of work is to help connect the creative industries with UK MENA+ talent, so we will always share castings, job opportunities, or marketing information. We will track these projects in the hope that they are a great example of how MENA+ talent is used. But by sharing this information, it should not be seen as an endorsement of the project. We will call out work that is appropriating a MENA+ narrative and does not have MENA+ talent at the heart of the creative process; and we will always champion, front and centre, work that is made for and by MENA+ talent. ​

​ 19 March: Khyam Allami , an Iraqi-British multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, researcher and founder of Nawa Recordings. ​ All Hangouts are free to attend, but registration is essential. Sign up to each event individually by clicking on the hyperlinks above! text results