The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is inviting Sydney to a huge day of performance, art, music and film at the Shanasheel Iraqi Cultural Festival. Organised by non-profit group al-Muntada, the festival celebrates the history and diversity of Sydney’s Iraqi community over one big day of free community events and ticketed performances.
The Bazaar of Baghdad, an interactive carnival of folk shows, art and markets, is at the heart of it all, offering traditional food, tea tastings, henna tattoos and games alongside the stage. A short film festival will provide more entertainment and isight into Sydney’s Iraqi community, screening productions that explore homelessness, addiction, family, loss, home, and the impacts of conflict in the Middle East.
The festival will also feature a concert of classic Arabic music, as well as a broad set of speakers, specialising in medicine, activism and the experiences of refugees.