Central Asian Creativity Pops Up In The Mercury

The evening of October 1st saw the launch of London’s official ‘Eurasian Creative Week’, which is being hosted for one week in The Mercury Shopping Centre. Opened by the consulate of Kazakhstan among participating creatives, the launch also hosted special guests such as The Ambassador of Tajikistan and local Arts and Culture Counsellor Viddy Persaud. 

Over the course of the this creative week, poets, authors, artists and philosophers will be descending to Romford to take part in a plethora of creative talks, book launches, films and exhibitions about the region which, although being rich in unique and exquisite culture is not widely celebrated in the UK.

The week is free for all to join and will include the book launch of ‘My Cossack Family’ on Sunday at 1pm by author Dr Mary Hobson, the winner of the acclaimed Pushkin Medal prize. The book, described as a research of into personal spiritual experience, explores the extraordinary lives of those living in Russia and Ukraine in 20th Century. 

A special presentation of artworks from The National Contemporary Art Gallery in Tajikistan will also be on display that have never before been seen in the UK.

The Mercury who are home to the annual Eurasian Film Festival in London are excited to be showcasing more of the regions delights:

Natalie, Deputy Centre Manager of The Mercury is excited about the week ahead:

‘It is great to have an opportunity to show, and talk about creativity with people from different countries and cultures in Romford, and we are humbled to partner with The Eurasian Creative Guild who can organise such a curious exhibition and programme week.’

A film called Oasis, from Kyrgyzstan was shown as part of the week in Premiere Cinema and a display of Crafts from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan was on display until Sunday in the centre.