Roots, Revolution, and Finding My Tribe in Bath 🇸🇩

 

I recently took a trip to Bath for Sudafest, and I’m still reflecting on the "Sounds Like Home" discussion. It was one of those rare, grounding experiences that felt less like an event and more like a homecoming.

The panel featured some truly powerhouse voices: Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Elbashir Idris, and Tasmeem Isam. Each brought a different lens—activism, poetry, art, and literature—to the complex idea of what it means to be Sudanese right now. A personal highlight? 

Finally getting my copy of Talking About A Revolution signed by Yassmin herself!

The Power of Being Seen

My main takeaway from the day wasn't just the information shared, but the connection. As a young Sudanese person living in the UK, I often find myself navigating through this space of being deeply integrated here, while remaining fiercely tied to my roots and culture.

For the first time in a long time, I found myself in a room full of people who just get it. We spoke about:

• The weight of carrying our heritage while building lives in the diaspora.

• The unique struggle of watching our home country and the suffering from afar.

• Using our artistic power as a tool to shift perspectives and tell our own stories on our own terms.

Finding a group of like-minded individuals who feel and express exactly what I do was the validation I didn't know I needed. It reminded me that our art isn't just a hobby—it's our megaphone.

 

Building for the Future

Connecting with these brilliant creatives and activists made one thing clear: we are not alone. We need this community to stay resilient and to keep the world's eyes on Sudan. By supporting each other now, we are creating a stronger, more vibrant path for the next generation of Sudanese Superstars to walk through.

Here’s to the power of the diaspora, the strength of our roots, and the art that keeps us moving forward.

Posted By Urbanista ( Azza Gasim)
Follow me on Twitter/Instagram (@azza_urbanista)

Shes in a Museum! (British Museum)

Okay, so you know how I was buzzing about the "Sudan: Past, Present, and Future" project? And how we even had a little glimpse of it at The Box in Plymouth, showing some really personal family pics? 

Well, buckle up because things have just gone NEXT LEVEL!

I've been keeping this under wraps for the past six months, and it's been SO hard not to spill the beans, but... I've been working with THE BRITISH MUSEUM! Yes, you heard that right! 

We're putting together a much bigger display, featuring actual objects from Sudan – from the homeland itself! – AND my own digital illustrations are going to be right there alongside them!

Seriously, this feels absolutely surreal. After sharing those small, personal glimpses in Plymouth, to now have this opportunity to collaborate with such an iconic institution... it's mind-blowing.

And here's where things get even wilder and proves the old saying true: it's not always what you know, it's WHO you know! This incredible opportunity? It landed in my inbox. My junk inbox! Can you even believe it?! It just goes to show the power of networking and connecting with the right people. Because of those connections, this email – this life-changing email! – found its way to me, and I'm so unbelievably thankful I actually scrolled through it that day, otherwise, I would have totally missed this.

Seriously though, go check your junk folder. You never know what amazing things might be hiding in there, all thanks to the amazing people you might know!

Posted By Urbanista ( Azza Gasim)
Follow me on Twitter/Instagram (@azza_urbanista)

Hamilton Summer at Theatre Royal

This summer I have been blessed to work on a few different projects all within the Theatre Royal Summer Program called Summer in the Scene Dock. 

Summer in the Scene Dock

Throughout this journey of building connections with community groups and the local theatre, it has made a space like this accessable for visitors, who don't usually visit this space and making them feel extremely welcoming. 

Summer Mural

Additionally, I have ben able to use my artistic skills to celebrate this union with a mural in the gallery floor of the theatre.

Hamilton Eduham Performance

One of the highlights has been organizing the EduHam Hamilton performance for young people and community groups held at Theatre Royal Plymouth. Being able to connect with the students and filling out the main theatre of 1,300 and introducing the cast and crew on stage, was one of the most heartwarming moments in my career so far. 

Posted By Urbanista ( Azza Gasim)
Follow me on Twitter/Instagram (@azza_urbanista)

My Sudan: Past, Present, Future

I wanted to take second to highlight one of the biggest projects I worked on and will continue to expand on.

"Sudan: Past, Present, and Future," offered an immersive journey through Sudan's history, challenges, and aspirations. 

This exhibition holds particular significance for me. My family heritage is rooted in Sudan, and I've felt a growing desire to delve deeper into my cultural roots. The current political climate in Sudan has only strengthened my resolve to show my unwavering support for my homeland. This exhibition serves as a creative platform to shine a light on Sudan's rich history, complex present, and hopeful future.

It featured a captivating blend of photos, videos, artworks, and a curated music playlist celebrating Sudanese culture. The exhibition was presented at various locations throughout 2023and 2024; 

- University of Plymouth during Refugee Week 2023

- The Barbican Theatre for a separate exhibition in November 2023

- Pennycross Primary School in 2023

- The Box Display Case 2024

I am hopeful to see where this project goes next!

More information and pictures here: https://azzagasim.myportfolio.com/sudan-past-present-and-future-exhibition-20234

Posted By Urbanista ( Azza Gasim)
Follow me on Twitter/Instagram (@azza_urbanista)