07 Aug 2024
A South Asian fair is being held at St Albans Museum + Gallery as part of a month-long cultural initiative.
The Mini Mela Festival is part of South Asian Heritage Month, which seeks to recognise the diverse heritage, histories and cultures in South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, all of which have a long- shared history with the UK.
The festival, which is taking place in the Assembly Room from 11am to 4pm on Saturday August 10, is a free drop-in event accompanied by outdoor displays and a series of free poetry workshops exploring this year’s theme of ‘Free to Be Me’.
The workshops have been organised by local St Albans artist, poet and printmaker, Suman Gujral through her ‘Third Space’ project which looks to bring arts and creative opportunities to all. The workshops will be delivered by local creative, Ankita Saxena who works with Suman and who says they are suitable for anyone with a love of words – be it poetry, fiction, songs or scripts: “Just bring something to write on, and an open mind.”
Suman added: “I’m very excited to be running some of the activities in St Albans Museum _ Gallery for this year’s South Asia Heritage Month. The theme for it this year is “Free to be Me” which is a wonderfully inclusive title that everyone can relate to. I’m happy to be running a craft activity making birds which are symbolic of freedom.”
Elanor Cowland, community engagement officer for St Albans Museums, said: “It’s essential that all communities are represented in our local museums and our team has been working closely with local South Asian creative practitioners and groups such as HAWA (Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association), SAHA (South Asian Heritage Association), Adda Club and St Albans restaurant Cha & Nasta to programme a number of exciting events and displays which celebrate South Asian Heritage Month.
“We’re delighted to be hosting the Mini Mela festival at the Museum + Gallery in August. Visitors are free to drop-in anytime during the day to learn more about St Albans’ diverse South Asian communities, take part in fun craft activities, add to our community mandala art installation, experiment with mehndi patterns and watch cultural clothing demonstrations.
“Delicious South Asian snacks will also be available to purchase on the day too.”
Catherine Newley, audience development manager at St Albans Museums, added: “It’s been fantastic to work collaboratively with our community partners to deliver this engaging and educational initiative which shines a spotlight on the rich tapestry of South Asian culture in our city.
“Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, we’re able to continue this important work of bringing people together in a creative and harmonious space to share diverse heritages and cultures across our St Albans’ communities.”
Passers-by can also enjoy a colourful display on the railings outside the museum curated by Preet Kaur Cox of StART (St Albans Rainbow Trail), which showcases the talent of the district’s many South Asian artists and creatives, highlighting their different expertise and mediums.
“It includes Monir Ali, a commercial and documentary photographer, Arti Kumar MBE a writer, consultant, trainer and mentor, and Munazza Amir an artist and facilitator who teaches textiles at colleges and community groups.
Preet said: “I am thrilled to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month through the Mini Mela and the outdoor exhibition ‘Free to be Me’ at St Albans Museum + Gallery. This celebration honours the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of South Asian communities. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the shared values, traditions, equality and stories that shape our community within St Albans city and district.
Events like South Asian Heritage month exemplify my passion to unite communities positively particularly through creativity. These celebrations play a vital role in fostering further understanding, pride, and a sense of belonging within communities.
“On a personal note, this year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme, ‘Free to be Me,’ resonates deeply with me as I continue my journey of learning about art and healing as a trainee art therapist at the University of Hertfordshire.”
SAHM month also marks the beginning of a new partner project surrounding ‘generations’ within South Asian communities. The co-curated exhibition will open in July 2025 and anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact St Albans Museum + Gallery on museum@stalbans.gov.uk.
