Ireland Says Welcome Group and Comhlámh are delighted to invite you to our celebration of Culture Night 2024 from 6 – 9pm on Friday, 20th of September at our offices at 12 Parliament St, Dublin 2.

We invite you to experience a captivating and heartwarming evening that extends a warm embrace to all, transcending boundaries and cultures. This event is not just a gathering; it’s a celebration of unity and solidarity. It will provide an opportunity for people from various walks of life to connect, share, and celebrate together. We devote this event to creating meaningful connections that strengthen the bonds within our community.

Join us for a delightful celebration that pays tribute to the kaleidoscope of people and their arts, crafts, music, spoken word and culinary traditions from around the world they bring to Ireland. It’s a chance for you to embark on a journey around the world without leaving the venue, a journey that ignites curiosity and fosters understanding.

Throughout the evening, be captivated by live musical performances, spoken word and art that will transport you to different corners of the globe. Experience the magic of a thought-provoking short film screening, which will encourage introspection and dialogue, reminding us of the shared human experiences that bind us together.

Prepare to be intrigued by the concept of a Human Library – an innovative platform where real-life stories come to life. Conversations become portals to understanding, where stereotypes are dismantled and compassion is nurtured. Each “human book” is a living story, offering insights into the lives and perspectives of individuals who have embarked on extraordinary journeys.

And what’s an evening of celebration without delectable treats? Savour the flavours crafted by talented Syrian chefs, offering your taste buds a glimpse into their homelands’ rich culinary heritage.

Your presence is more than just attendance; it affirms the values that bind us together. As you immerse yourself in the festivities, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these connections that transcend borders, remind us of our shared humanity, and inspire hope for a harmonious future. Welcome to an evening where every smile exchanged, every story shared, and every note played is a step towards a more connected world.

Mark your calendars and get ready to embrace an evening that celebrates diversity, fosters connections, and leaves you with cherished memories. We hope to see you there!

 

WHEN: Friday, 20 September, 6-9PM

WHERE: Comhlámh, 12 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 HV05 (Click here for the map)
Tel: (01) 478 3490 E: julia@comhlamh.org

NO BOOKING REQUIRED 

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

 

Human Library

Hogai Asefi Wardak originally from Kabul,Afghanistan. I used to be journalist and women rights activist for more than 5 years back in home in Afghanistan. In 2021 taliban came and took over the country and I had to flee from there and became refugee in Ireland. I have been living in Ireland since 2021 and studying business management level 7 plus doing my freelance journalism and advocacy for women rights and running online business.

Matin Salim, originally from Afghanistan, is a model, fashion designer, and the founder of Abra Clothing. Born in 1997 in the beautiful province of Panjshir, Afghanistan, he completed his school education and then studied fashion in Iran.

Pictured is one of his creations. 

Raghad is a PhD candidate at UCD School of Education specializing in children’s rights in Education. She has been living in Dublin for just over 5 years. She is originally Palestinian, and made her way to Ireland in 2019 to do her Master’s degree funded by the Irish government. We are joined today by Raghad who is happy to share her personal story from being born in Saudi Arabia, to moving back home in Palestine, to embracing her identity as she lives in Ireland. 

Abdulai Mansaray lives in Dublin but is originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone. He has lived experience of Direct Provision for over 3 years. He is the founder of Kingdom Heritage Foundation Sierra Leone, supporting less privileged children in Sierra Leone through Education and Advocacy.

Currently, he is a final-year Law student at TU Dublin. Abdulai is also a Community Link Worker, providing support to Ukrainian and IPAS Families, Young People and Children in the North Inner City Dublin, linking them with the various services in the NEIC, and advocating on their behalf. Abdulai is an ardent Activist, advocating for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants Rights to be Respected, Protected and Promoted. He is on the board of Comhlamh, Dublin North Inner City Safety Partnership, and the Akidwa Advisory Board.

Abdulai is a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including the National “Activist of the Year Award” 2023 at the Black and Irish B.I.G Awards Gala, an event powered by the Irish National broadcaster, RTE.

Music

Fernando Sahin, performing as LEVITIK 17, is an Ivorian musician, originally from the west of Côte d’Ivoire (Taï). He began making music in 1997 and released a single in Côte d’Ivoire in 2001. He sings about love, peace, protecting the environment, and revolution. He has been living in Ireland for 2 years.

Shana Katjimune, also known as Shana K, is from Namibia and has been residing in Ireland for the past two years. Coming from a deeply musical family, music has been an integral part of her life since childhood. She uses it as a powerful tool to convey emotions, share stories, and communicate messages. For Shana, music transcends boundaries and acts as a universal language that resonates with people from all walks of life.

Ell-shammah Ndlovu, originally from Zimbabwe, has lived in Ireland for about 3 years. She believes singing is more than just notes, but is a gift of message, emotion and power. Singing allows her to express emotions in a direct, visceral way that words alone can’t always capture. It creates a deep connection between the singer and the listener, as shared emotions transcend language and reach the heart, fostering an intimate and universal experience.

Spoken Word

Neo Msimango is from South Africa. Her love for poetry was established this year when she had a chance to showcase her talent with the Irish Refugee Council youth group. She’s mostly passionate about poetry under the theme of justice. She has been living in Ireland for almost two years now and she is still exploring its beauty.

Visual Arts

Sanaa El Habbas, originally from Palestine, is a graphic designer and baker. She graduated from NCAD Dublin and completed a UX design course at Griffith College. Born to Palestinian parents, she is the second youngest of 9 siblings. She has always been interested in art, and her parents have always motivated her to pursue a career she is passionate about. Her work has allowed her to learn so much about the world around her, her family and her culture whilst also allowing her to meet some amazing people. 

Many of her cultural works are based around interviews with the Palestinian diaspora, and combine food and art to recall memories of better times, family events and life-changing moments.

Documentary

We will be screening Jamie Goldrick’s recently released short film ‘Gaza Freedom Flotilla: When Governments Fail, We Sail’. Dive into the story of Handala, a pivotal ship in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, as it undertakes a mission to break the ongoing siege on Gaza by sea. This short documentary chronicles the efforts of international activists and the resilience of the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom. Discover the challenges faced by the crew and the significance of their mission in the broader context of the Gaza blockade. Watch now to learn more about the humanitarian efforts to support Gaza and the global movement calling for an end to the siege.

Information stands

MASI (The Movement of Asylum Seekers and Refugees)

The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland was founded in October 2014 in response to the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers under the direct provision system. It promotes justice, freedom and dignity for all asylum seekers. Visit their stand to learn about MASI’s current work, including the upcoming 10 year anniversary conference this autumn on the 19th of October, buy their book and more. 

Comhlámh Justice for Palestine Member Group is a voluntary group dedicated to achieving justice for the Palestinian people and taking a stand against Israel’s brutal apartheid, colonisation and occupation. Visit their stand to learn more about their upcoming events and see how you can get involved.