MACFEST (Muslim Arts and Culture Festival)

My journey with Macfest started over a year ago, when, by chance, Qaisra and I were speaking on the same online Community event. Her passion and the community inclusion mission of Macfest were captivating. Few days later I got in touch to ask what I can do to help.In my experience, Macfest is a very dynamic event, there is a lot going on, so that people with different interests can always find something for themselves. Whether it’s an online or live event, it’s always bringing something new to people’s consciousness, usually things you just can’t easily find to experience so freely. There is always this warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere, which is important to me as someone with a lived experience of a migrant.I’ve met such wonderful and humble people through working for Macfest, the time I’ve spent on doing any kind of work never felt like work, it’s always been a pleasure and something new to learn. And every event I attended, felt like a meaningful way to spend an evening or a weekend. I witnessed incredibly talented children speaking out on environment, poets, musicians, artists, chefs and performers. I discovered there is something in the Islamic music, or the instruments, which made me cry several times on the live events, it felt wonderful!I thoroughly enjoyed the food offered at Macfest events, it’s such a great way to let people mingle, while eating together. I could always fee this spirit of equality and togetherness, on every event by Macfest. And I like, that whenever possible, there is an an opportunity to experience things – art, crafts, henna, food, music and more. The cultural hubs Macfests prepares on live events are absolutely fascinating, especially to someone who doesn’t know much about Islamic arts and culture. I had great conversations with people of all ages and different cultural backgrounds throughout the last year, I felt we really connected by talking about the rich culture and history of different Islamic countries.The biggest surprise to me, as a Polish migrant, brought up catholic, was to meet a female Polish Muslim convert, who moved to live in the UK! And we connected through social media, as I was promoting one of the Macfest events in Facebook groups. I am sure we would have not found each other if I did not connect with Macfest!