Community fun day to be held in Birmingham to mark 50 years of Bangladesh freedom

To mark the 50th anniversary year of Bangladesh’s independence, a family fun day is being held at the MAC in Birmingham this month.

Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) are hosting the free event for families from all communities on Sunday 22 August between 1.30pm-5.30pm.

‘Bangladesh @ 50: Celebrating Together’ will feature vibrant music and dance, poetry, stories, food, craft sessions, short film and discussion events highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the country.

This colourful family day provides visitors with the chance to visit an exciting art and photographic exhibition at Midlands Arts Centre’s (MAC) Garden Studio a peaceful brand-new space. Featured artists include Hanna Ihsan whose paintings are inspired by nature and architecture and ‘Tagore in the light of Rembrandt’ by the award-winning photographer Pablo Khaled.

The Foyle studio will host readings from Sampad’s My City My Home ahead of its forthcoming publication including writing by women from Birmingham and Bangladesh. This event will also feature leading spoken-word artists and poets of Bangladeshi origin. This engaging session will culminate in a panel discussion, accompanied by samosa and tea.

Sampad, Director Piali Ray OBE said “We are extremely excited to be working with MAC to present this wonderful FREE event to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence. This is a great way to bring adults and children from all communities together to share a packed day of events that will be fun, educational and entertaining.”

The free daytime event provides plenty of activities for children including arts and crafts and a special family show taking place on Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) Terrace.

Deborah Kermode, Midlands Arts Centre’s (MAC) Chief Executive Officer added: “We are honoured to be hosting Bangladesh @ 50 led by Sampad Arts. The one-day festival will be a huge celebration to mark the 50th year of Bangladesh’s independence, bringing together all members of our local community.

“We’re proud to be showcasing Sampad’s rich programme, with creative activities for families, performances from renowned Bangladeshi artists and dancers, and an exhibition inspired by the country’s social and cultural heritage.”

The Sunday event will culminate with an evening celebration showcase filled with music, song, dance and theatre in the stunning new Outdoor Theatre.

The event, presented by Sampad and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in association with Purbanat, Gronthee, and Radharaman Society will be hosted by Samiha Mahamud and Tarek Chowdhury.

The showcase features dance from Bangladeshi dance performer Sonia Sultana and dancer, performer and teacher Showmi Das, as well as a Dhamail Dance segment (Bengali folk dance) from Purbanat; live music from talented Bengali singer Jessy Barua, and one of the UK’s most popular Bangladeshi performers Gouri Chowduhry.

Audiences can also look forward to performances of traditional Bengali Baul and Biyer Geet with portrayals of wedding rituals and tradition through a live presentation.

Who are Sampad?

Established in 1990, Sampad‘s mission is to connect people and communities with South Asian and British Asian arts and heritage and to play a cutting-edge role in the creative economy.

Sampad believes in the power of arts and heritage to impact widely on all communities – breaking down barriers, raising important issues, amplifying unheard voices and bringing people from all walks of life together.

Since launching: Sampad have commissioned and worked with 3630 artists and 3875 companies; over 500,000 people have enjoyed 1723 performance events with 148,408 participants engaging education and outreach programmes.

During 2020-21 Sampad worked with 149 artists, producers and companies to deliver 45 performances (of which 2 were live) and 189 workshops. Overall online audiences in this year were 94,657.

‘BANGLADESH @ 50: CELEBRATING TOGETHER’ – LISTINGS:

1.30pm – 2.30pm | Family and Children Show | MAC Terrace | Free, drop in – entry via Cannon Hill Park

3pm – 5pm | Chai & Chat & Poetry | Foyle Studio | Free, limited capacity, booking required

1.30pm – 5pm | Bangladesh at 50 Exhibition | Deloitte Room | Free, drop in

5.30pm – 7.30pm | Celebration Showcase in MAC’s newly refurbished Outdoor Theatre. Ticketed £6 plus £1 commission fee. Please come weather prepared.

Full information, how to book and list of artists can be found here.

All events will be run in a Covid-19 secure manner. Visitors are strongly encouraged to continue wearing face coverings when moving around the building or attending events inside. Please read visitor guidelines here.