Craft and Qawali

Craft and Qawali used creative activities to foster understanding and forge new friendships between first and second-generation immigrants in the UK.

The project had a specific focus on older women from the South Asian diaspora, working with existing community organisations, local schools and artists to present two strands of work around their cultural heritage.

The first part of the project involved, a craft-based exploration of shisha/mirrorwork embroidery of Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage as well as Kashmiri shawl embroidery.

The work was facilitated by two artists supporting the group over six weekly sessions to facilitate the sharing of craft-based skills in groups with a diverse range of cultural heritage backgrounds. The women were trained in leading workshops, and they later shared their expertise through practical sessions with Year 6 children in three local schools.

For the second strand of work, women were brought together for a traditional Qawwali/Pothwari Sher event – a musical expression historically identified with all-male groups. The event was filled with traditional and contemporary storytelling, poetry and singing for an audience of women and children under 11.

Bi-lingual artists worked with the women, helping them to recall and capture songs and stories from their youth, as well as assisting them to write new works.

The project culminated in a performance at The Old Rep in Birmingham. Here the community groups were joined by professional women musicians. This support enabled the group to boost their confidence and showcase their talents through high-quality performances.

Craft and Qawali showed how creativity community involvement in bridging generations, transcending cultural borders and nurturing a vibrant and inclusive society.

The Craft and Qawaali programme was a legacy of our Transforming Narratives programme.