FAMILIES

Arab World Family Learning Programme

With generous support from the Said Foundation, the V&A have initiated an innovative family learning programme which uses art and design as inspiration to increase appreciation and understanding of Arabic and Islamic cultures. There is a particular focus on Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Iraq.

The programme is comprised of three strands: an annual family festival of Arab culture, an associated network and outreach initiative, and the development of learning resources.

The Arab World festivals will occur every summer over the four year duration of the project. These large-scale cultural events will involve the Arab community in London as well as families from a wide range of backgrounds. Festivals will bring the V&A to life through dance, music, digital design, storytelling, and creating and making activities from across the Arab World. 

A series of creative learning resources will also be developed over the course of the project to complement existing family learning activities at the V&A. New resources include a new Arab World activity for our Drop-in Design programme, an activity back-pack, a family trail and a new Arab World learning resource for the V&A website.

Events include:

Drop-in Design: Juggling Geometry

You have been asked by the king to decorate his palace with beautifully patterned tiles. Hunt through the museum for inspiring ideas and create your own tiles using geometric shapes and patterns.
See our Family Events page for event dates.

Arabian Nights

Free Art Fun Festival
Sunday 2 August, 10.30–17.00
Step onto our magic carpet and hear stories from across the Arab World; dance to traditional sounds, create fun-filled performances and feast on food from the Middle East.  Discover geometric patterns and shapes and design beautiful tiles, dazzling t-shirts and much, much more. An exciting day of family activities celebrating Arab culture.