Karachi, February 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):Adab Festival Pakistan is proud to be collaborating with the Bradford Literature Festival and British Council to spread and make sustainable the movement of literature festivals across Pakistan by engaging with and developing women to create, organise and deliver literature festivals.
Producers of the Future: From Keighley to Karachi was a ground-breaking international collaboration between Bradford Literature Festival and Adab Festival in Pakistan. The project tackled the under-representation of South Asian women in the talent pipeline and positions of leadership in the British creative sector through a digital exchange and development programme, bringing together South Asian women from diverse communities in Bradford and across Pakistan.
This project was supported by the British Council Digital Collaboration Fund, which supports UK and Overseas Cultural Partnership to develop digitally innovative was of collaborating.
Adab Festival Director, Ameena Saiyid, said:
“‘From Keighley to Karachi’ was of great benefit to Pakistani female talent in the creative sector. Women in the creative sector in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, face enormous challenges such as gender discrimination, segregation, exclusion from the public space, lack of mainstreaming, exposure and empowerment and an insistence on male dependence.
However, despite women treading a painful course, with every small victory snatched, with great effort and courage, from the teeth of hardened male prejudices, women are not discouraged and are moving ahead as pioneers whilst smoothing the way for those waiting in the wings. This project provided a wonderful opportunity for the brave, pioneering and struggling women artists and writers of Pakistan.”
Bradford Literature Festival Director, Syima Aslam, said:
“Highlighting the value and variety of careers in the creative sector is a key priority for Bradford Literature Festival and it has been an honour to lead this talent development project in partnership with Adab Festival. The women who took part were recruited across the boundaries of class and geography and their training will enrich their own communities. We’re incredibly proud of the work curated by this inspiring cohort, and the marginalised conversations they have pulled into the mainstream. This innovative project has successfully highlighted not only the impact of the arts in connecting communities, but also the dynamic potential of creative careers and the importance of developing a sustainable talent pipeline.”
For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communication Manager,
British Council
British Deputy High Commission,
Shahra-e-Iran, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-424-424 (Ext. 3216)
Mobile: +92-301-8245168
Fax: +92-21-111-425-425
E-mail: Shahid.Ashraf@britishcouncil.org.pk
Website: http://www.britishcouncil.org.pk