SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL – commissioned by Calderdale Council and supported by the Community Foundation for Calderdale

verd de gris arts were commissioned to deliver a cultural heritage project / series of events to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month in Calderdale. This was to be the first time members of the South Asian community in Calderdale had come together to lead a celebration of their heritage and culture across the borough.

We were charged with bringing together a steering group of local people from the predominately Pakistani-heritage community, to help shape the events programme, guarantee relevance and cultural sensitivity … and to explore ways to cement a legacy for the project.

Together, we developed a blended programme of workshops, talks, entertainment and community heritage stalls, brought together over a celebratory weekend in July ‘22. Film screenings and workshops continued across the borough over the course of SAHM into August ‘22.

“We are delighted to be involved in this fabulous event, the first of it’s kind celebrating and exploring South Asian Culture in Halifax. We are proud to be British Muslims, making positive contributions to the communities we live in. It is equally important to understand our past, explore our wonderful heritage, and remember the sacrifices that were made by the first wave of immigrants who landed on these shores.“ Zaheer Khalil, Local business leader, co-founder of 51st Pellon Scouts, winner of the 2023 Charity of the Year at Community Spirit awards and King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024.

The buy-in and engagement with the local South Asian community was amazing … a game-changer as regards event management and participation for the future for this community. The excitement, sense of pride and belonging was palpable, on the day, and in subsequent meetings and work within the Pakistani community. Families continue to share videos and photographs and positive comments from here to Pakistan.

“We need events like these happening across Calderdale to celebrate diversity, educate our new generations about different communities in Calderdale.We need more events like to these to promote what actually Islam is, Islam is a religion of peace not what media broadcasts it as. We need people to enjoy the call to prayer and Quran recitation and not freak out at Arabic. Events like these are so important to tackle the Islamophobia, racism and discrimination which is growing fast in out society.” Samea, British Pakistani woman

Some key facts and figures:

Public attendees:
15,000+ (figs from The Piece Hall team) on the day split across the 2 x venues (The Piece Hall and Square Chapel Arts)
Number of acts:
9 x South Asian heritage creatives / artists

Here are a few images from the celebrations: