Manchester's Muslim Arts and Culture Festival starts today
Qaisra Shahraz created MACFEST to tackle hate crime after the arena attack in Manchester
Manchester's 2022 Muslim Arts and Culture Festival starts today after being set up in the wake of the Arena terror attack.
The festival known as MACFEST is an initiative created to combat stereotypes and bridge the gap between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The festival aims to bring people together through community performances, food, activities and debates.
MACFEST hosts a line-up of local, national and international speakers as well as performers and artists every year working closely with local schools to explore Muslim arts and culture projects.
We've spoken to the founder of MACFEST, Qaisra Shahraz, on everything about the event.
Who is Qaisra Shahraz?
Qaisra Shahraz is an award-winning British-Pakistani novelist, Educationist and Activist.
In an interview with Qaisra, she said she created the initiative to promote social inclusion and to celebrate Muslim Arts and Cultures in Manchester.
Why was MACFEST was created?
MACFEST was created to tackle islamophobia bringing Muslim and non-Muslim communities together. The festival was a proactive response to the 2017 Manchester arena attacks as Qaisra Shahraz noticed the need for social inclusion.
She described the defining moment when her friend was too afraid to leave her house as she was afraid she would be attacked because of her faith, at that point Qaisra knew she had to do something.
After growing success, MACFEST which was previously 7 months will now be taking place for 8 months from today.
The three Missions of MACFEST
MACFEST has three missions, the first is to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together.
Qaisra told us this is done by incorporating non-Muslim hosts, moderators, guests and specialist speakers.
When asked what core values should people to take away from this initiative, Qaisra said: " Respect other people’s diversity. People need to remember that billions of us are normal, peaceful and loving people. We value the British values, fairness , integrity, equality and diversity."
The second mission was to bring the diverse Muslim community together. Qaisra said: “They’re quite diverse but do they ever come together? Is there a platform for them to do so?”
“I ensure total diversity and I wanted to be fair to all the communities. I came up with a solution; represent all the continents, represent at least 10 communities in the festivals so they feel they are part of it.”
The third mission was to involve children and young people.
Qaisra said: “I knew from the beginning the festival had to be part of schools with MACFEST days.”
#SpreadHoneyNotHate
MACFEST created slogans such as #SpreadHoneyNotHate.
Qaisra says that #SpreadHoneyNotHate means to spread sweetness over hatred. To show and enjoy the beauty of the culture. Its MACFEST’s way of tackling hate crime, whilst enriching and educating.
Since 2017, MACFEST has hosted 70 events and 4 festivals. It’s become more than just a local initiative; this initiative has had a global impact connecting communities worldwide.
Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation
Qaisra incorporated the Muslim Women’s Arts Foundation to provide a platform for Muslim women who are constantly stereotyped. Qaisra adds, "I feel passionate about their lives, their education, access to better standards of living."
For more details about the festival and exactly when and where its taking place on the official MACFEST website.