In this event, six creative minds come together in an open panel discussion bound by a common thread; these women have challenged the shackles forced upon them by society and stigma, they have searched for their place in the world and found freedom through courage and creative talents.
The event also features musical and spoken word performances against a backdrop of Saira's artwork and a limited preview of her NFT series. Inspired by the classic tale of Scheherazade’s quest to survive through her epic tales, each unique and provocative NFT artwork portrays a fiercely independent, soulful woman, confident in her skin having faced the world head-on.
The 1001 NFT Series will be dropped in small, limited releases wrapped in an event that gives women of minority within the arts, a platform to share their stories. If you would like to contact Saira about partnering, collaborating or sponsoring please do email us: hello (at) sairajamieson (dot) com
This initial pilot event was held in partnership with Kensington & Chelsea Arts Week, Fiend Restaurant & lounge, and Sponsored by Brockmans Gin.
☆ Women of the Diaspora Event ☆
EVENT HOST • Saira Jamieson
Artist
Born in London, to Pakistani parents, Saira was raised in a household of immense cultural pride. Through painting and drawing, Saira found escapism, creating otherworldly terrains of symbolism. Caught between family duty and the associated expectations of dutiful femininity Saira took on the battle that came with going against the cultural tide.
Aggressively climbing the entrepreneurship ladder in film, music, media, events and hospitality in order to gain financial freedom and eventually, emancipation, it was a chance awakening that would bring her back to her underlying passions of making art. It was at this moment Saira allowed her roots to be set free and it would be her life’s experiences that would provide the rich narrative to her own work.
Saira combines her art and background in business, media & events and actively seeks to create platforms to help others share their stories and shine a vocal spotlight on fellow women of minority in the arts.
www.sairajamieson.com // instagram & twitter @sairajamieson
PANELLIST + PERFORMER • Jaskaran Sahota
Spoken Word Artist, Comedian, Writer
Jaskaran spends her time performing spoken word/comedy, and writing. She identifies as a blonde, South Asian woman, and explores these intersectionalities in her material. Jaskaran was shortlisted for the BAFTA Rocliffe Comedy Prize (2020). Recently, had a short play selected for the Theatre503 'Tapped' Rapid Response showcase (April, 2022). And is currently commissioned as a writer by the BFI Feature Fund for Short Animation, and represented by Curtis Brown Talent.
instagram @jaskaran1word
PANELLIST + PERFORMER • Livia Kojo Alour Singer
Sword Swallower, Poet & Theatre Maker
Livia Kojo Alour, iconic variety star, international recognised sword swallower, vocalist, poet and exhibited artist. Her extensive work stretches from Theatre to Circus. Livia was voted ‘Most Influential Performer in Europe 2018’ and was the first sword swallower initiated into the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas! Her debut poetry collection will be published in September by Polari Press.
www.ceremonialcabaret.com // instagram @missa_swords
PERFORMER • Amani Saeed
Poet & Writer
Amani Saeed is a writer who treads the line between roots and routes. She writes poetry, blog posts, films, and whatever else is needed to get the point across. In addition to being a former member of the Roundhouse Collective, and Barbican Young Poets, Amani is the curator and host of of the interdisciplinary sell-out night the hen-nah party, designed by and for queer South Asians. Her poetry collection, Split, was published with Burning Eye Books. Amani is the co-writer for Queer Parivaar, which premiered at the BFI Flare 2022.
www.amanisaeed.com // instagram @amanithepoet
PANELLIST • Anna Afzal-Gould
Multidisciplinary Artist
Anna is a multidisciplinary artist who completed a Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art & Design at Camberwell College of Arts. However, due to various circumstances, she was unable to pursue her dream of studying Fine Arts at University. She was inspired by her 3 year old to get back into art as her daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, and web3/NFTs allowed her the freedom to pursue her passion whilst raising awareness for her daughter’s condition.
twitter @aagcreative
PANELLIST • Sharan Raju
Actress, Podcaster
instagram @sharanrajuofficial
SPONSORS
Kensington & Chelsea Arts Week • www.kcaw.co.uk • instagram @kcawlondon
Fiend • www.fiend-portobello.com • instagram @fiendportobello
Brockmans Gin • instagram @brockmansgin
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This evening is a part of a 10 day collective of events hosted by Saira Jamieson, in partnership with Kensington & Chelsea Arts Week.
Please check out the FULL LINE UP here
