Bridging Borders: A Collaborative Arts Exchange

Partners: Sheba Arts (Salford, England) and Iranisches Kulturfest/Termeh Festival (Munich, Bayern)

Image © Sheba Arts

“Through this partnership, we aim to foster meaningful cultural exchange, by creating new opportunities for artistic collaboration. Our funded activities will explore the intersection of heritage and contemporary expression, empowering communities to connect through music, storytelling, and shared learning. We are excited to build bridges across cultures, strengthening creative dialogue and deepening mutual understanding.’’

Sheba Arts and Iranisches Kulturfest/Termeh Festival

About the partners

Sheba Arts is an artist and diverse-led arts organisation in Greater Manchester. Established in 2018 in response to the challenges of misrepresentation, or lack of representation of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds in arts and culture. We use art and culture as catalysts for social change, giving a platform to people to find their voice and share their experiences

We believe making art is a form of self-advocacy and expression. It allows people to reclaim ownership of narratives and shape their stories, deepening their sense of belonging, and increasing their self-esteem. As a grassroots organisation, we work in a non-hierarchical way with people at the heart of what we do.

Sahba Music is an educational initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting Persian and Kurdish music, language, and cultural heritage. Through workshops, masterclasses, and community events, the CIC and academy both provide a platform for learning and artistic expression, fostering cross-cultural understanding. It collaborates with renowned musicians, scholars, and cultural institutions to offer high-quality education and engagement opportunities. Sahba’s mission is to empower individuals of all backgrounds to connect with their roots while embracing the diversity of world traditions.

The Termeh Iranian Cultural Festival in Munich is an annual event showcasing Iran's diverse arts and culture scene. Since its founding, it has aimed to introduce complex and often lesser known aspects of Iranian society to a broad audience through film, music, theatre, visual arts, and literature. The festival fosters exchanges between the Iranian diaspora and the local Munich community, providing a platform for artists from Iran and abroad. Venues have included the Gasteig and Gasteig HP8. The program features concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and workshops for children and adults. Over the years, Termeh has become a significant event in Munich’s cultural calendar, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.