Nottingham Mela Network is taking over New Art Exchange from Friday 10 - 12 September with a programme featuring live music, art workshops and much more….
This year, Nottingham Mela Network have organised a Mini Mela, a three day takeover of the New Art Exchange in Hyson Green. It will be made into a central hub for a vibrant and family friendly programme featuring live music, dance, storytelling, poetry, yoga, art workshops, a henna zone, giant puppets, DJ sets and a delicious desi menu created by the NAE café.
The event will kickstart on Friday 10 September with workshops for schools, by resident Mela visual artists Ismail Khokon and Shamila Chady. Alongside this there will be a live sitar and tabla performance with String Beats, and a beautiful ghazal performance led by local musician Sashwati Walia.
Saturday’s programme then includes Bollywood and Bhangra workshops for all ages, storytelling with Mashi Theatre, visual arts workshops, dohl and tabla performances, alongside a special Mela procession with the Gulabi Warrior giant puppets, a project inspired by a women’s rights movement in India.
The final day will feature yoga and live tabla with Parmjit Sagoo and Mendi Singh, followed by a calming music recital during which Mendi will be joined by violinist Olivia Moor. Throughout the day, there will be storytelling with Peter Chand and Mashi Theatre, alongside Kathak performances with Manushi Dance and Ankita Sethi, art and crafts workshops, poetry and spoken word performances by local poetry duo Kavya Rang and Jay Sandhu.
Over the weekend, there will also be a small digital Mela programme featuring short films and performances. Whether people want a party atmosphere or to chill and relax, there will be something for everybody.
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