As Brighton Festival 2022 draws to a close, we are looking back at The Riwaq, the flagship project of our Co-Guest Director Marwa Al-Sabouni. The structure became a bustling cultural hub on the beautiful seafront of Hove and we were so inspired by the way it brought communities together.
The Riwaq was made possible with the support of major sponsor Moda Living, alongside Timber Development UK. Design and fabrication was by setWorks, design collaboration and structural engineering was by Webb Yates, and additional support has come from DHH Timber and Vanessa Norwood.
Here, we look back at some of the wonderful arts, events and performances The Riwaq has hosted, and celebrate our collaboration with the inspiring organisations who shared the space with us...
Where it all began...
A space for artistry...
Throughout May, The Riwaq hosted an array of music takeovers from Best Foot Music, including Bhangra dancing with Cohesion Plus (pictured), Balkan and Eastern European music with Balamuc, and a local Yiddish choir (below).
Photo by Jim Stephenson @clickclickjim
Bringing communities together...
Cohesion Plus and 4x4 Kings of Bhangra brought the communities of Brighton and Hove together for an exciting afternoon of music and dance.
Amplifying young voices...
We were thrilled to have The Riwaq serve as a hub for local poets, writers, spoken word artists and performers. During the Little Green Pig 'Young Writers Takeover', the structure became a space for exchanging ideas, showcasing talent and sparking the imaginations of local children through creative workshops.
photo credit: @mooseazimphotography via @littlegreenpig_
Designed by Marwa Al-Sabouni and Ghassan Jansiz...
The Riwaq was inspired by traditional Arabic colonnades which act as a space for exchanging ideas. Throughout the month, various arts and crafts workshops brought the community together, including colourful block printing with East Side Print, and kite-making sessions for all the family.
'The Riwaq is going to represent this transitional space of exchange…' – Marwa Al-Sabouni, Brighton Festival Co-Guest Director
Cultural exchange at The Riwaq...
Brighton and Hove's Ukrainian communities came together to exchange stories and art at The Riwaq. We saw a Ukrainian 'living library', Ukrainian music sessions and crafts workshops including a polymer clay class for making Ukrainian sunflowers with Irma's Craft studio.
Showcasing the arts...
The Riwaq has been home to various takeovers by important arts projects. We have enjoyed entertainment from In House Records, Best Foot Music, and Carousel, an award winning learning disability led arts organisation.
It's been such a joy to see the diversity and positivity these organisations champion brought to The Riwaq to inspire the local community.
Supported by
The Riwaq is made possible with the support of major sponsor Moda Living, alongside Timber Development UK. Design and fabrication is by setWorks, design collaboration and structural engineering is by Webb Yates, and additional support has come from DHH Timber and Vanessa Norwood.
