Khushi: the Coliseum's annual festival showcasing work made by Oldham's South Asian communities.
Through a series of dynamic projects that bring artists and communities together, Khushi took over the Coliseum, Oldham Library and Parliament Square, presenting a rich mix of events for everyone.
2022 Exhibitions
The Boishakhi Fish
by Werneth Primary School Chai Ladies
Education Suite
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 is 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
Education Suite
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 have 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
Education Suite
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
Stalls Bar
Curated by poet, playwright and producer Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Eid: Past & Present is 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.
Other un-ticketed events
A Pop-Up Manchester Museum
Wed & Thu, 10am-5pm
Oldham Library, Greaves Street, OL1 1AL
Manchester Museum is transforming into a bigger and better museum! Beautiful new galleries will provide opportunities for curiosity and wonder and familiar galleries are waiting for you too. In the meantime, join us at our pop-up Manchester Museum with specific focus on the South Asia Gallery. Come and find out more about our plans and what to expect when we reopen in February 2023. You will also meet members of the museum team, see some of our extraordinary objects, and enjoy hands-on activities.
Factory Roadshow - Manchester International Festival
Wed, 10am-5pm
Oldham Library, Greaves Street, OL1 1AL
Come along to find out more about Manchester's new cultural arts venue, including Manchester International Festival’s skills development courses and upcoming career opportunities. There is also the chance to have a go on Virtual Reality headsets.
Dhol Drillaz
Wed, 1pm-2pm
Parliament Square
Dhol Drillerz provide live entertainment to uplift your energy and get them hands and feet moving. Their high calibre drummers will showcase a fun and entertaining performance that will make you want to dance!
Let's Eat Together
Wed, Thu & Sat, 1pm-2pm & 6pm-7pm
Stalls Bar
It's time to come together to share food and stories. Complimentary food will be provided at the Coliseum.
2022 Events Included
In partnership with:
Funded by:
With thanks to Audience Development Consultant Samina Ali
Instagram @southasiancreative