International collaboration is part of our DNA at GWL. Since the Library began in 1991, we have made so many meaningful connections with international sister organisations, drawing great inspiration from their work. So we’re absolutely thrilled to be embarking on a new friendship with The Second Floor (T2F) at PeaceNiche, a not-for-profit NGO based in Karachi, Pakistan. This partnership is possible with thanks to the British Council.
T2F is a vibrant, welcoming space, supporting projects that are committed to building community, nourishing creativity, celebrating culture and encouraging curiosity. From conferences and talks, to live music and festivals, T2F is a vital, cultural hub in the heart of the city.
We’re so excited to be working with Programme Manager, Shumaila Amjad, on our partnership project, ‘Literature Beyond Borders’. We’ll be exploring how we can bring women in our reading and writing groups together, to share, learn and collaborate in our digital spaces. Over the summer months, we’ll be working with our Reading Group for Muslim Women and our Creative Writing Group for Muslim Women, linking with PeaceNiche’s reading and writing communities.
We’ll also be spotlighting South Asian women writers and artists at our Open the Door Festival 2021, celebrating the work of historic writer and artist Zarina Hashmi, and using her work as inspiration for our Calm Slam poetry competition.
Working with PeaceNiche will bring invigorating, dynamic voices and vistas to our work, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with them.
Check out this short video, which gives a fantastic snapshot of their work and their beautiful space:
