Synopsis

Khushi Festival will return on 2-4 August 2024!

We are excited to be planning our annual festival of happiness, Khushi, showcasing work made by Oldham's South Asian communities.

Through a series of dynamic projects the bring artists and communities together, Khushi takes over spaces in Oldham, presenting a rich mix of events for everyone.

We have commissioned three fantastic artists to co-create brand new pieces of work. Poet Nasima Begum will be working with Werneth CHAI; actor and facilitator Perveen Hussain will be working with West Oldham CHAI and the Indian Association; and folk arts and craft visual artist Maryam Hussain will work with Yuvanis Foundation and a group from Greenhill Community Sports and Recreation Club.

We'll be sharing more details of the work they are creating with the communities, as well as announcing other exciting events, soon. 

 

KHUSHI FESTIVAL 2022 

2022 EXHIBITIONS INCLUDED:

The Boishakhi Fish
by Werneth Primary School Chai Ladies

The Werneth Primary School Chai Ladies (Women's CHAI Project) produced an art piece - a giant fish which reflects the Boishakhi Mela as this gives them Khushi (happiness). The Boishakhi Mela is a Bengali celebration of heritage. The fish was made with colours of the Bangladeshi and Pakistani national flags reflecting and celebrating the heritage of the women of the group. The group worked with artist Alice Rowbottom.

Pottered Together - Pots of Khushi
by Roundthorn Primary Academy Chai Ladies

The Roundthorn Primary Academy Chai Ladies (Women's CHAI Project) attended an eight-week pottery skills course with Lifelong Learning Oldham. The mums learnt various pottery making techniques and skills which they used to produce pots and pottery art pieces that reflected what happiness means to them celebrating Pakistani and British heritage and culture.

Soul, Spirituality & Ceramics
by Coppice Primary Academy Chai Ladies

The Coppice Primary Academy Chai Ladies (Women's CHAI Project) worked with an artist and learnt how to make decorative ceramic plates. This exhibition reflects spirituality as the women find comfort and happiness, Khushi, in Islam and spirituality. The group worked with artist Azraa Motala.

Eid: Past & Present
Curated by poet, playwright and producer Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Eid: Past & Present was an exhibition co-commissioned by Oldham Coliseum Theatre and Rifco Theatre Company exploring the ways in which we celebrate Eid. It was originally displayed at Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre from May to June 2022.

 

2022 EVENTS INCLUDED:

A Pop-Up Manchester Museum with specific focus on the South Asia Gallery. There was an opportunity to meet members of the museum team, see some of their extraordinary objects, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Factory Roadshow - Manchester International Festival was an opportunity to find out more about Manchester's new cultural arts venue, including Manchester International Festival’s skills development courses and career opportunities. There was also the chance to have a go on Virtual Reality headsets.

Dhol Drillaz provided live entertainment to uplift energy and get hands and feet moving. Their high calibre drummers showcased a fun and entertaining performance that got everyone dancing! 

Let's Eat Together was a time to come together to share food and stories. Complimentary food was provided.