Beyond One Culture: Bringing Communities Together Through Creativity
Earlier this month, a warm and welcoming space was created in the Black Country as the Beyond One Culture event brought people together for a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture and connection. Supported through our Creative Communities strand, the one day event invited people from across the region to share in live music, performance, art and food, creating an atmosphere that felt open, joyful and deeply human.
Beyond One Culture is a collective project led by the Daholl Kurdish Community Group who showcase music, sculpture and visual art that reflect personal journeys, shared histories and cultural identity. On the day, audiences were introduced to Kurdish culture through traditional music and costume, an intimate art exhibition and the unmistakable joy of food being prepared and shared. The room soon filled with conversation, laughter and movement, with many people feeling encouraged to dance, clap along and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
For many, this was a rare opportunity to connect beyond familiar circles, to feel welcomed and to simply enjoy being together. Creativity became a shared language, breaking down barriers and allowing people to meet on equal ground.
Images by Lee Allen
Throughout the day energetic performances and artworks offered insight into individual stories and identities, while live music created a collective rhythm that brought people together in the moment. Sharing food became another important point of connection, sparking conversation and a sense of generosity that ran through the entire event.
The impact of Beyond One Culture extended far beyond the numbers in the room. Participants left with new connections, meaningful cultural experiences and a stronger sense of belonging in their local area. For some newcomers, it marked one of their first chances to engage with a wider community in a safe and welcoming environment. For others, it offered fresh understanding and appreciation of the cultures and stories that shape the Black Country today.
Events like this remind us of the power of creativity to build bridges, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties. By creating space for shared experiences, Beyond One Culture helped lay foundations for more connected, compassionate and confident communities across the region.
“Supporting this project has been incredibly special to witness. Seeing people come together through creativity, culture and conversation captured exactly what this programme is about. The event felt welcoming, joyful and rooted in genuine community connection.” Kristina Hall, Creative Advisor (Sandwell)
Thank you to the Daholl Kurdish Community Group for organising such a thoughtful and beautiful event.