Today we are pleased to announce our first events of Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2024.

I want to begin by acknowledging and recognising the devastating situation across our Arab world due to war and violence. This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of the countless lives lost to relentless conflict, which includes many artists, creatives and communities. We stand in solidarity with those who continue to endure pain and loss.

As the longest running annual festival of Arab arts and culture, LAAF is one of the few prominent platforms in the UK for Arab artists to present their artistic works to mainstream audiences. Our mission is to keep Arab arts, heritage and culture alive, creating, supporting and championing creatives from across the Arab region and its diaspora.

We believe that art and creativity has the power to express our shared humanity, and that artists play a vital role in documenting their lived experiences. This year’s festival features work by Palestinian, Yemeni and Sudanese artists, amongst many others, that expresses creativity, hope and resilience. Art can give a voice to the unheard, tell untold stories and offer new perspectives. Creativity is a universal language that transcends all borders and barriers.

I extend heartfelt thanks to our artists for sharing their art and experiences, to our volunteers for their unwavering dedication, and to our funders, partners, and supporters, who are essential to our success. Your support is more crucial now than ever. I also wish to thank our dedicated staff and my fellow board members for their leadership and commitment.

Please sign up to our mailing list and newsletter for news on more festival events in the coming weeks.

We can’t wait to see you in July.

Afrah Qassim, Chair, Liverpool Arab Arts Festival