Shubbak (meaning ‘window’ in Arabic) is London’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture. For its third festival, which runs from the 11-26 July, Shubbak presents its most ambitious programme yet, with UK premieres and new commissions from artists across the Arab world. This year's festival will present a truly varied programme designed to appeal to London's population in all its diversity.
Festival highlights include:
• Key strand of the visual arts offering is Art in the Public Realm, including sound-art installations, sculpture and street art, and the first ever UK mural by ‘calligraffiti’ artist eL Seed
• Music highlights include the festival’s opening concert at Barbican Centre featuring a host of celebrated Arab musicians, including Karima Skalli and the Asil Ensemble, and world premiere of scenes from Cities of Salt, the forthcoming opera by Syrian composer Zaid Jabri at the Royal Opera House, based on the classic titular novel
• A weekend of literature and storytelling at the British Library courtesy of some of the Arab world’s most acclaimed writers
• Arab theatre in London showcased by works at four of the city’s most innovative venues: the Arcola, Bush, Young Vic and Cockpit Theatres
• Badke, a collaboration between Belgian choreographers and Palestinian dancers, inspired by Dabke, the popular Palestinian folk dance
• Film programme curated by noted Palestinian director Michel Khleifi
• Free outdoor events including Eid on Trafalgar Square, with food, live music and activities for all the family
