ONE WORLD FAMILY FESTIVAL 2025

PROGRAMME DETAILS

A downloadable PDF of the programme will be available shortly.

Saturday 22 Feb 2025, 11–4.30pm

• Welcome  11am, Atrium (BSL)
  The opening of the One World Family Festival led by Ashmolean Director of Audiences and Content, Gina Koutsika.
• Open Africa  11am–12.30pm, Gallery 21 (interactive)
  A celebration of African identity and a showcase of the rich heritage of the African continent.
•  Community Rangoli  11am–1pm, Gallery 31 (interactive)
  Create a floor-based traditional Rangoli with participants at the start of the Festival, which will remain on display throughout the event. Using natural materials like flowers, leaves, rice, and sand that can be easily swept away, this cooperative artwork will foster a sense of community during its creation and showcase a traditional South Asian art form to all Festival attendees.
• Ney Music  11am–12pm, Gallery 44
  A Ney music session, offering a deep, meditative experience rooted in Sufi tradition. The Ney, a traditional wind instrument made from reed, has a rich history in Turkish, Arabic, and Persian music, often symbolising the soul’s longing for the divine.
• Unity in Diversity  11.15am–1.15pm, Lecture Theatre
  Udayan will celebrate the richness of Bengali culture highlighting the presentation theme ‘Unity in Diversity’ through a vibrant medley of Bengali songs, Indian classical dance, sitar recital, and poetry. To foster inclusivity, English translations of the poetry and songs will be projected, enabling the audience to engage deeply with the artistry.
• Youth Forum: Young Eyes on Museum Treasures  11.15am–13.15pm, Gallery 11 (BSL)
  Join us for an extraordinary session, 'Youth and Children Forum: Museum Artefacts in My Eyes,' where the vibrant minds of young researchers transform the Ashmolean into a playground of history and creativity. Dive into a session where children and youth who participated in the creative research project on dragons of the world unveil their fascinating research findings and stunning artworks.
• Time Capsule Workshop  11.15am–4pm, Gallery 22 (interactive)
  Create your own time capsule for 2025 where you can keep some of the ephemera and sentimental that you are collecting over the year. Create a beautiful box and decorate it as you wish, and top it with your name in Arabic calligraphy.
• Hindu Invocation – Bhajan & Chanting  11.30am, Atrium
  Come and share in the spiritual kirtans and the expression of devotion.
• Henna  12–3pm, Gallery 35 (Interactive)
  Experience the art of Henna.
• Adhan, Islamic Call to Prayer Zuhr  12.30pm, Atrium 
  The Adhan is the Muslim call to prayer, and it is said five times a day by a mu’adhin. Traditionally, the mu’adhin would stand atop of the mosque roof or the minaret. With the advent of the microphone the melodious call to prayer is now often said within the mosque, the amplification carrying mu’adhin’s beautiful voice outside into the neighbourhood.
• The Ashmolean Conversations  1–2pm, Gallery 44 (interactive)
  An interactive workshop, part of Rootical Folklore, which celebrates Africa and the Caribbean through art, folklore and plants, exploring items that the Museum holds. The Indigo Dialogue is based on The Blue Roofs, by Picasso. The Sorghum Dialogue, features The Taharqa Shrine. The Cinnamon Dialogue, a Raphael Drawing.
• The Whole World is One Family  1–3pm, Gallery 21
  Join Oxford Hindu Temple in the Randolph Gallery as we present ‘vasudhaiva kutumbakam’- meaning ‘The Whole World Is One Family.’ We aim to unfold before you an exciting mixture of: dance drama, poetry, classical dance & spiritual group chanting, whilst keeping the above wisdom in mind. With a dance of Peace & Togetherness at the end.
• A Taste of Poland  1.45–3.45pm, Lecture Theatre (interactive)
  Discover the Polish community by collecting favourite recipes along with personal stories from Oxford residents. This showcase of Polish heritage focuses on two aspects: Polish food and science, and the contribution of Jan Heweliusz.
• Sacred Sounds from the Past  2.15–4.15pm, Gallery 44 
  Indulge your aural senses in this multilingual performance, organised by the Oxford Interfaith forum. It features sacred songs, devotional melodies, and poetic readings of ancient civilisations united by the worship of the Divine, performed by members of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classics, Medieval and Modern Languages, and various communities.
• Christian Handbell Ringers  2.30pm, Atrium
  Listen to skilled ringers from the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers and Christ Church Cathedral ringing changes using handbells. Originating in 17th-century England, these melodic instruments have evolved into a cherished form of calling people to worship.
• Chinese Fashion Show  3.15–4.15pm, Gallery 21
  Experience traditional Chinese fashion.
  Adhan, Islamic Call to Prayer - Asr  3.40pm, Atrium
  The Adhan is the Muslim call to prayer, and it is said five times a day by a mu’adhin. Traditionally, the mu’adhin would stand atop of the mosque roof or the minaret. With the advent of the microphone the melodious call to prayer is now often said within the mosque, the amplification carrying mu’adhin’s beautiful voice outside into the neighbourhood.
  Afro-fitness  3.50pm, Atrium (interactive)
  Join us for music, dance, and cultural storytelling, as we honor African traditions with wonderful baskets, colorful fabrics, and heart-felt greetings and songs of unity, resilience, and pride. Embrace a joyful, inclusive experience of togetherness and appreciation for African heritage while keeping fit and managing our mental health.

Sunday 23 Feb 2025, 11–4.30pm

• Turkish Water Marbling  11am–1pm, Lecture Theatre (interactive)
  The Ebru workshop offers a hands-on experience in the ancient Turkish art of 'painting on water,' a tradition dating back to the 13th century. Participants will witness the mesmerising process of creating marbled paper, where colorful pigments float on thickened water and are swirled into beautiful patterns using special tools like needles, combs, and horsehair brushes. Once the desired design is achieved, the artwork is transferred onto paper in one fluid motion, producing a unique, vibrant masterpiece.
• Scribal Art: Beauty in Diversity  11am–4pm, Gallery 6 (interactive)
  Set amongst breathtaking scribal artefacts, this multiscriptal and multilingual event, organised by the Oxford Interfaith Forum, explores past through the ancient art of calligraphy, and languages. After introducing to scripts of the Eastern and Western civilisations, visitors are invited to write their chosen words in multiple languages and beautiful calligraphies.
• Crafting in Celebration of Trees  11am–4pm, Gallery 22 (interactive)
  In the Jewish Calendar, the 15th of the month of Shevat is considered the new year of trees. In this crafting session, we'll use varied tactile materials to illustrate trees through the seasons, while learning about the respect given to trees in the Jewish faith and tradition.
• Create a Postage Stamp  11am–4pm, Gallery 31 (interactive)
  In this activity, you will be designing a giant postage stamp to frame or to use later as a card or journaling spot. Think of a middle eastern country you love, wish to visit, or visited already, and create your postage stamp, finished with writing its name in Arabic with beautiful calligraphy.  
• Fun with Fragments  11am–4pm, Gallery 35 (interactive)
  A display showcase of embroidery pieces which incorporate a range of techniques, with design inspiration from fragment shapes. A craft activity where participants produce collages with fragment shapes. A trail where participants find fragments and sherds on display across the lower floors of the museum, beginning in Gallery 1.
• Traditional Chinese Painting  11.15am–12.15pm, Gallery 21
  Experience traditional Chinese dancing.
  Jewish Storytelling and Music  11.30am–12.30pm, Gallery 44
  Last week, the Jewish community celebrated the festival of trees – Tu B’Shvat - a time to renew and deepen our relationship to nature. Now, Adele Moss tells surprising Jewish stories of humans, trees and the land, while musician, Matthew Faulk, weaves in Jewish songs of delight in the natural world. 
• Adhan, Islamic Call to Prayer Zuhr  12.30pm, Atrium
  The Adhan is the Muslim call to prayer, and it is said five times a day by a mu’adhin. Traditionally, the mu’adhin would stand atop of the mosque roof or the minaret. With the advent of the microphone the melodious call to prayer is now often said within the mosque, the amplification carrying mu’adhin’s beautiful voice outside into the neighbourhood.
• Becoming: Stories & Songs  1–2pm, Gallery 21
  The story delves deeper into the young girl’s journey, both physical and metaphorical. The focus is on the idea of names and identity, and how they evolve as she navigates new landscapes and internal challenges.
• Refugee Art Talks 1–2pm, Gallery 44 (BSL)
   Hear refugee artists discuss their art.
• Embossed Printmaking Workshop: Create Textured Art with Press & Stencils  1-4pm, Gallery 11 (interactive)
  In a community drop-in workshop at the One World Festival, we will use a press and stencils for embossed printmaking, participants create raised designs by layering stencils on paper and pressing them to transfer the texture. This process allows for experimentation with patterns and depth, resulting in unique, tactile artwork that combines technique with creative freedom.
• Hindu Invocation: Bhajan & Chanting  1.30pm, Atrium
  Come and share in the spiritual kirtans and the expression of devotion.
• Unlocking Ancient China: Rituals for Teens  2–3.30pm, Lecture Theatre
  Experience early China classics and rituals, including a live ceremony.
• Jewish Melodic Prayer  2.30pm, Atrium
  Hear the Jewish melodic payer, Etz Chaim.
• Dances of Universal Peace  2.30–3.30pm, Gallery 21 (interactive)
  Come and learn songs and circle Dances that celebrate the core essence of world religions and nature centred spirituality. The simple songs and Dances are easy to learn, child friendly and accompanied by gentle live music. The Dances are meditations that celebrate life and connection to the Spirit of Guidance, whatever that means to you.
• Panel Discussion: Healing our Planet & Ourselves  2.30–3.30pm, Gallery 44 (BSL)
  To celebrate this year’s theme of 'In Unity', listen to a panel discussion of faith and cultural leaders (Chinese, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim) discussing how we might explore healing our planet and ourselves.
• Adhan, Islamic Call to Prayer - Asr  3.40pm, Atrium
  The Adhan is the Muslim call to prayer, and it is said five times a day by a mu’adhin. Traditionally, the mu’adhin would stand atop of the mosque roof or the minaret. With the advent of the microphone the melodious call to prayer is now often said within the mosque, the amplification carrying mu’adhin’s beautiful voice outside into the neighbourhood.
• Nepalese Dancers  3.50–4.05pm, Atrium
  Nepal has a very rich culture of dance. Nepalese dance are the fundamental part of our culture. The dancers will be wearing costumes to accompany their performances. Traditional dance are often performed by kids or adults during festivals, family events and ceremonies. These dances not only entertain but also preserve and transfer the cultural heritage, and connect people across generations.
• Close of One World Festival  3.45pm, Atrium (BSL)
  The closing of the One World Family Festival led by Ashmolean Director, Xa Sturgis.