Kala Sangam To Host Open Arts Iftar

Kala Sangam Invites the Community to an Enriching Arts Iftar Event During Ramadan

Bradford’s vibrant cultural scene will welcome a unique celebration this March, as Kala Sangam, in partnership with Bradford Museums and Galleries, hosts its annual Arts Iftar at the picturesque Cartwright Hall on Wednesday, 20 March, starting at 5 pm. In an inclusive gesture, the event adopts a ‘Pay What You Decide’ approach, encouraging attendees to contribute an amount they feel reflects their experience.

This special evening promises to blend culinary delights with artistic expression, featuring performances by the choir from Feversham Girls School and captivating poetry readings by Nabeela Ahmed, a multilingual poet and spoken word artist. Ahmed, whose poetry manuscript was shortlisted by Verve Poetry Press in 2023 and who published her novella “Despite our Differences” in 2018, brings a wealth of creativity to the event. She actively engages in translating significant works and hosts a monthly poetry programme, Shairana Moasam, which showcases poets from various linguistic backgrounds.

The Arts Iftar event is not only a celebration but also an educational opportunity for those unfamiliar with Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad and is marked by fasting from dawn until sunset. The iftar meal, which occurs at sunset following the Maghrib prayer, traditionally starts with dates and water, followed by a communal meal.

With Bradford’s population being 30% Muslim, including the staff team at Kala Sangam, the event aims to foster community spirit and understanding across different cultures and religions. Similar to how festivals like Christmas or Bonfire Night bring people together, the Open Arts Iftar seeks to offer a shared experience that enriches the understanding of Ramadan’s significance.

The evening will commence with artistic performances, leading up to the call to prayer at approximately 6:30 pm. Attendees are welcome to join in the prayers, with a note to bring personal prayer mats if possible due to limited availability. The iftar will commence with traditional dates, fruit, and water, followed by a communal halal meal with vegetarian options, embodying the spirit of sharing and community.

Kala Sangam’s ‘Pay What You Decide’ policy for this event underscores its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, allowing guests to reflect on their experience and contribute accordingly. This approach aims to eliminate the financial barrier to cultural participation, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and engage with the event without upfront costs.

Those wanting to join in can book tickets on ticket source: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-nozljjz