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TOWNHALL Friday 23rd October We're really excited to gather everyone together again in another Zoom call for creative professionals in the live and recorded arts who identify with the MENA and surrounding regions. It has been a few months since our initial meeting where we came together to connect, share our ideas and raise concerns. Since then, we have formed a steering group from those who volunteered to help organize and enact what was discussed. We have created a mission statement, chosen a name and begun to create a website as a space for connecting and sharing with one another, but also for promoting our members and their work, and eventually leading to a searchable database of creatives. Our next meeting will be on Friday 23rd October, 1- 2.30pm. We'd like this to reach professionals across the UK and throughout the industry, so we encourage you to share this invitation with any MENA friends and colleagues you know. You will need to register beforehand by emailing us at members@menaarts.uk . Registration closes at 12noon today. We'd like to use this forum as an opportunity for you to share your experiences, concerns and questions. We intend to hold a meeting every month to create an ongoing conversation and space to drop in and connect. In the upcoming meeting, we'll be looking at how an organisation like ours could best serve its members. We'd like to hear about: 1) What would you like to see come out of an organisation like this one? 2) Who would you like to be in conversation with? 3) What topics and issues would you like to raise? If you have something you'd like to share during the meeting in response to any of the above, please drop us an email at middleeastmeeting@gmail.com . Alternatively we can share any thoughts or information on your behalf, just let us know in your email. We will be creating an agenda for the meeting, allocating time for a few members to share projects, ideas or experiences. If anyone has any access needs, other questions or thoughts, please let us know. Otherwise, we'll see you on 23rd October! MENA Arts UK head back

competition winners Sepy Baghaei, an Iranian theatre director who serves as Co-Vice Chair for MENA Arts UK announces our winners: ​ “We received 53 applications for the competition, and were blown away by the high standard, creativity and ambition of all the ideas submitted. Our winning eight ideas are an eclectic mix, and feature animation, set design, poetry and music. Their makers are from all around the country - including Liverpool and the West Midlands - and are connected to MENA regions including Iran, Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. I am so excited to see these films come to life, and to share their celebrations of MENA+ identity with a wider audience.” top row left to right Amina Atiq Photo credit: Robin Clewle Bint Mbareh Jida Akil Majid Adin ​ bottom row left to right ​ Maral Mamaghanizadeh ​ May Ziade Nooriyah Qais Peyvand Sadeghian Photo credit: Ray Roberts watch the films here 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. ​ 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. 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. ​ 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. ​ 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. 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'. 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. ​ 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. Our exciting panel of industry professionals judging panel also comprising of Sabrina Mahfouz (playwright/poet), Hannah Khalil (playwright), Saeed Taji Farouky (film director). ​ This work has been supported by the Film and TV Charity and Arts Council England. ​ read full press release here get our free newsletter * these fields are required submit I accept terms & conditions. View terms here. If you like what we are doing, please consider making a donation. No amount is too small.

Page Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Button This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Members Notice Baord Newsletter 87, MENA/SWANA Celebration with RCSSD & more! 22.03.2024 Mar 22 Newsletter 86, BAPAM offer & more! 08.03.2024 Mar 8 Newsletter 85, News, Opportunities & more! 23.02.2024 Feb 23 Newsletter 84, RCSSD Survey, Opportunities & more! 09.02.2024 Feb 9 Newsletter 83, The EU Killed My Dad Q&A, Members Screening & other opportunities, 26.01.2024 Jan 26 Newsletter 82, Our first newsletter of the year, 12.01.2024 Jan 12 Newsletter 81, Our last newsletter of the year, 08.12.2023 Dec 8, 2023 Newsletter 80, Our Third Birthday event & more, 24.11.2023 Nov 24, 2023 Newsletter 79, Show Up & Write, Group Support sessions & more, 10.11.2023 Nov 10, 2023 Newsletter 78, Support group sessions for directory members & more, 27.10.2023 Oct 27, 2023 Newsletter 77, Check it out & other offers, 13.10.2023 Oct 13, 2023 Newsletter 76, Creative Huddle & fantastic show offers!, 29.09.2023 Sep 29, 2023 1 2 3 4 5

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

catch up with Khyam Allami 19 March: Khyam Allami, an Iraqi-British multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, researcher and founder of Nawa Recordings is in conversation with Philip Arditi. ​ ​

comingsoon click to book this friday - film premiere. book to watch the films here read more about our film makers here

catch up with Amir El-Masry Amir El-Masry , an award winning British Egyptian actor who has most recently been named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and earned a Best Actor nomination for his lead performance in the critically acclaimed feature film, Limbo, talks to Laura Hanna. ​

value statement April 2021 We are a not-for-profit arts organisation based in the UK for professionals connected to the Middle East, North Africa or the surrounding area (MENA+). Our purpose is to bring people together, celebrate what connects us, spotlight our achievements, help our membership thrive, and lobbying for appropriate representation within the British live and recorded arts industry. Our organisation is built on diversity, inclusivity, and creativity. We are acutely aware that our membership is affected by challenges both in the UK and the MENA+ region. It is important for our organisation to recognise these. • We wish to see an end to the structural and institutionalised oppression of people in the MENA+ region, whether by their governments or occupying forces. Where people are subject to oppression and occupation, we support the adoption of boycotts as a legitimate tool to bring these to a halt and our members' rights to join such boycotts. • We wish to see an end to imperialism and colonialism in the MENA+ region. • We wish to see an end to the destruction of land in the MENA+ region. • We wish to see the end of biased and disproportionate policing/surveillance of MENA+ people. • We wish to see the self-determination of the people in the MENA+ region. • We wish to see freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people. We believe that specifying the freedom of the Palestinian people does not negate any other conflict in the MENA+ region and that long-term stability in the MENA+ region is interlinked with the resolution of this long-running occupation in accordance with international law. "We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians." (Nelson Mandela) MENA Arts UK was formed as a safe space for MENA+ artists to connect, be creative, and grow. We will work tirelessly to keep our spaces safe and believe that our creative endeavours can bring people together for lasting positive change. We do not associate individual members with the actions of the government in their country (or countries) of origin. We reserve the right to suspend or remove any directory member who promotes any form of prejudice or hate. • We will not tolerate anti-Blackness. • We will not tolerate antisemitism. • We will not tolerate Islamophobia. • We will not tolerate discrimination based on ethnicity or nationality. • We will not tolerate discrimination based on religious beliefs or faith. • We will not tolerate discrimination against women. • We will not tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. • We will not tolerate discrimination based on age or class. • We will not tolerate discrimination against D/deaf, disabled or neurodiverse people. • We will not tolerate discrimination against migrants, refugees or asylum seekers. MENA Arts UK is a new organisation bringing together our communities in a way that has not been done before in the UK. We will carefully consider our funding sources and plan to register as a charity in England and Wales. As we grow this document will evolve.

Submission Callout: Short Film Screening We are thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity for our filmmaker members! In partnership with new independent cinema The Garden Cinema and film magazine and screening platform Mydylarama, we will be hosting a screening of new short films made by our members. This will be a ticketed event open to industry and the public and a wonderful opportunity to share and platform your work. So, if you have a short film you would like to submit, please email us at info@menaarts.uk with FILM SUBMISSION in the subject line and include: a short biography and/or link to a CV/website Synopsis & information about your film, including any previous festival submissions/screenings A link to watch the film Deadline for submissions is 10th August 2023. You will hear back from us by 30th September 2023 if your submission has been successful. The screening will take place on a date tbc in January 2024. This is an opportunity exclusively for our directory members, but if you are not yet a directory member, all you have to do to join is create a profile (for free!) and then submit your film!

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sign our open letter click to sign On March 23rd 2021, Focus Features announced that it had picked up worldwide distribution rights to Timur Bekmambetov’s thriller Profile , a film which first premiered in 2018. It tells the following story: ‘An undercover British journalist infiltrates the online propaganda channels of the so-called Islamic State, only to be sucked in by her recruiter.’ 9th April 2021 ​ #EnoughIsEnough ​ For the attention of Focus Features (distributors), Timur Bekmambetov (director, co-writer, producer), Mariya Zatulovskaya, Igor Tsay, Rick Sobalvarro and Adam Sidman (executive producers). We’re not surprised that a film like Profile exists. There is growing statistical evidence and research to support what our communities have always anecdotally known to be true: there is an obvious media bias towards narratives about Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian and Muslim people which centre war, oppression, displacement, and terrorism. What’s disappointing is that despite the widespread societal reckoning with systemic racism following the Black Lives Matter movement and Stop Asian Hate campaign, Focus Features has decided to acquire Profile for worldwide distribution next month - three years after the film originally premiered in 2018. This is a glaring example of opportunistic profiteering which contradicts Focus Features’ stated mission to “inspire human connection” through diverse storytelling. Just because Profile is based on the true story of a journalistic investigation does not mean this subject needs to be revisited - yet again. Radicalisation has destroyed lives and destabilised countries. We don’t need to “wait and see” the film to know that it will not meaningfully address the complex socioeconomic causes of radicalisation in young people. The marketing alone relies on damaging tropes without any regard for the harm this will cause. When audiences only know to associate us with violence and oppression, it becomes easier for politicians to subject us to inhumane immigration enforcement , disproportionate surveillance and religious persecution through blatantly racist and Islamophobic legislation. A terrorist character doesn’t amount to racism or Islamophobia, but we need to consider Profile within the repetitive media spotlighting of narratives which foster prejudice and hate towards our communities. Every negative portrayal - and there are far more than most people realise - chips away at our humanity and safety while reinforcing our perceived “otherness”. USC Annenberg’s study into Inequality in 1300 popular films between 2007-2019 found that the prevalence of Middle Eastern and North African characters on screen was never higher than 3.4% . Only 1.9% of Netflix’s original series creators were from Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds. In 2018 (when Profile premiered), 47% of all religious hate crime offences registered in England and Wales targeted Muslims . When the statistics are so abysmal, it’s never been more urgent to counter decades of hateful representation with nuanced narratives. We hope that Focus Features uses this opportunity to reflect and reconsider their distribution of Profile . It’s time for creators, commissioners and media gatekeepers to reevaluate their hiring practices in order to help rewrite the narrative. There are many organisations, including MENA Arts UK, advocating for artists who are ready to tell stories that inspire, celebrate and spotlight our rich cultural diversity. ​ Enough is enough. sources: ​ ​ Focus Features takes world on Timur Bekmambetov ISIS thriller ‘Profile’ Terrorists & Tyrants: Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Actors in Prime Time & Streaming Television From mute to menacing: why TV's portrayal of Muslims still falls short Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies A People Home Office to send more asylum seekers to ‘unsuitable’ Napier barracks Calls grow for Bloomberg to apologise for surveillance of Muslims Colonial mindset is behind France’s latest attempt to ban the hijab USC Annenberg Study: Inequality in 1300 popular films between 2007 - 2019 Inclusion in Netflix Original U.S. Scripted Series & Films Home Office Hate Crime Report 2018 - 2019 click to sign signed by: title / organisation Sola Adeyemi Lecturer Zambrine saeed Graphic designer Niranjana rajesh Student MR DAVID M MUMENI Actor/Writer Laila Abdo Actor, Writer Ahmed Mohamed Shawky Mohamed Aka ( Aki Shawky) Filmmaker/ camera man / Production assistant PA Marwa Morgan Journalist Nabra Nelson Director and playwright Brandon Kirk Set Dresser Soumia Fares Design Researcher Sara Marhamo Kirk Costume Draper Ruba Mansouri Actor Dina El-Aziz Costume Designer N AL Student: University Fatima Serghini Writer Zoey Cronin student Reyna Christine Moniz ____ Emily Holmes Student Rumayssa Student Maaheen Adnan Health care worker view more names click to sign

Show Up and Write As our first residency initiative with Theatro Technis @26 Crowndale, MENA Arts UK is working with Hyphen Artist Collective to run in-person & online sessions for writers called : SHOW UP & WRITE A series of sessions where writers attend in-person or Zoom sessions and simply write for three hours and then come together for one hour to connect and discuss all things writing. Often our busy schedules distract us from finding time to commit to writing what we want to write. SHOW UP & WRITE gives us the chance to commit and stick to that commitment. Writing can be a lonely pursuit; this opportunity gives us a chance to write in a community. IN PERSON: Attend a 3-hour free-writing session at Theatro Technis (26 Crowndale Rd, NW1 1TT). Then come together for an additional hour to discuss all things writing: challenges & successes. We are capping the in-person sessions to 12 writers based on the space provided. ZOOM: Check in at the top of the session with a wave at 1pm. Microphones off for the 3-hour writing period, but we encourage you to keep your camera on to stay on task. Then stay after for the hour discussion. Zoom sessions will be capped at 30 writers. ​ COST: No cost! Free to join! ​ WHEN: Sunday, February 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th 2023 1pm to 4pm: Writing - 4pm to 5pm: Community session/discussion Discussions will be facilitated by MENA Arts UK Steering Group & Hyphen Artist Collective members. Please try to be available for all sessions, but we understand if you need to miss one. HOW TO APPLY: We welcome all MENA+ writers and/or writers with a “hyphenated” artist skill set or cultural background to apply. Writers of all levels and experience are welcome. Please email HyphenArtistCollective@gmail.com sharing a bit about yourself with your contact information and whether you wish to attend in-person or Zoom sessions. We’d love to hear about what you’re working on or the challenges/successes you’re facing in the UK Arts Industry. ​

New Associateship with MENA ARTS UK and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Embargoed until 10.00 on Wednesday 27 March 2024 The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and MENA Arts UK Announce Associateship The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) and MENA Arts UK are pleased to announce a new associateship which will work to promote and celebrate MENA/SWANA voices and to strengthen links between higher education arts training and the industry. The associateship will seek areas of collaboration between the two organisations, including celebrating the work of MENA/SWANA artists and practitioners including students and alumni. As part of the newly formed associateship, Central will host MENA Arts UK’s MENA/SWANA Celebration Performance Series at the School on 5 and 6 April 2024. The two-day celebration of the work of MENA/SWANA Central alumni and students will include an evening of performance and Q&As followed by a day of workshops and installations. Performers for the first evening include Youness Bouzinab, Fatima Serghini, Mai Weisz, Alia Lahlou, Mohab Kaddah, Laïla Alj and Lanna Joffrey with work presented on day two by Adi Gortler, Mohab Kaddah, Farokh Soltani, Amirah Samer, Lanna Joffrey, Lama Amine and Sepy Baghaei. Central’s Principal and Chief Executive Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE said: “We are delighted to announce our associateship with MENA Arts UK, and to plan for our future work with the MENA/SWANA artists and practitioners – many of whom are Central alumni – that make up this vast network. We are particularly pleased to celebrate this new relationship by hosting the MENA Arts UK Celebration and Performance Series here at Central, and to bring this important work to our student and staff communities. May this be the first of many more exciting collaborations to come!” Kerry Kyriacos Michael, MENA Arts UK’s Director, said: “We are so much looking forward to working with Josette and her team at the School. Our aim is for MENA/SWANA professionals to shape and thrive in live and recorded arts in the UK, and Central’s invitation to work with their students and alumni is an exciting way to do just that.” Lanna Joffrey, MENA Arts UK Community Producer and Central Alumni (MA Acting Contemporary 2014) said: “Central has become a home I come back to again and again, supporting me as a multidisciplined artist. It is a welcoming home, committed to lifting up and celebrating its graduates past and present and, therefore, their artistic futures. This celebration is an expression of this commitment to highlight and showcase Central’s incredible MENA/SWANA talent.” Laïla Alj, MENA Arts UK Steering Group Member, Event Producer and Central Alumni (MA Acting for Screen 2011) said: “Central helped shape the artist I am today, and it’s inspiring to see the great work that our alumni and MENA/SWANA community have achieved. This associateship is an opportunity to make those ties stronger, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead.” The announcement marks MENA Arts UK as Central’s second associate company, alongside New Earth Theatre and with more announcements to follow in the coming months. Central’s associate companies form part of a series of key, strategic relationships which bring the institution closer to industry partners and deepen and expand the work of the School. ENDS Notes to Editors The MENA Arts UK MENA/SWANA Celebration Performance Series will be hosted at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on 5 and 6 April 2024. To find out more about the event including a full list of performers and participants and to reserve a free ticket, please visit www.cssd.ac.uk/events/mena-swana-celebration For media enquiries please contact: Megan Hunter, Head of Press and Public Relations at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on: megan.hunter@cssd.ac.uk About The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is a higher education conservatoire – a specialist college of the University of London which nurtures creative collaboration. Courses include acting, applied theatre, movement, musical theatre, drama & movement therapy, theatre & live performance, scenography, actor & teacher training, voice, technical arts & production, and writing for stage & broadcast media as well as a doctoral programme. With over 60 academic staff, together with visiting artists and lecturers, Central has the largest grouping of drama/theatre/performance specialists in the UK, an active, award-winning research culture and is a hub of innovation and engagement for the theatre and performance industries. www.cssd.ac.uk About MENA Arts MENA Arts is a UK-based not-for-profit Arts organisation for professionals who work in the Live & Recorded Arts and are connected to the Middle East, North Africa or the surrounding area.

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