From Lahore to Liverpool: new cultural exchange links Northern England and South Asia

Image: Inni Singh

A three-year cultural exchange program just been announced by various venues across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool is set to open a dialogue between the North of England and South Asia. Featuring a broad programme of performances and workshops across the city this spring, the public can enjoy everything from Indian classical ragas to Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance.

The New North and South Network, a cultural program funded publicly by the National Lottery through the Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme, will showcase the talent of leading musicians and artists from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK. The performances in the North of England will be mirrored by British artists who will travel to Colombo, Dhaka, Lahore, Karachi and Kochi.

Image: Inni Singh

Band on the Wall, the Royal Northern College of Music, the Bridgewater Hall, the Whitworth, the Manchester Museum, and Manchester Art Gallery are all set to open their doors to performances, many of which are free, with others ticketed at affordable prices. For full program details, visit: bandonthewall.org

Highlights include multi-instrumentalist Vijay Venkat performing in the South Indian Carnatic style at the Manchester Museum, an exploration into the fusion of Indian percussion and western form with Dr Mukul Acharya at The Whitworth, and solo pianist Rekesh Chauhan’s recital at Band on the Wall.

Image: Inni Singh