Who We Are
SILK ROADS is a non-profit arts organization of the best artist-educators specializing in traditions from the Middle-East and beyond.
We offer workshops, performances and entertainment to schools, museums, festivals and private events.
The artists are handpicked practitioners in storytelling, arts, crafts, Middle-Eastern music, and dance ― and they are equally experienced as workshop educators to adults and children.
We promise:
- to entertain ― all our workshops and events are exciting and interactive
- to educate ― using the inspiration of the Silk Roads, a symbol of artistic ferment and cultural tolerance
- to include ― the workshops are suitable for young and old, male and female, and for all backgrounds
Khaled Hakim
He began playing the daf (Sufi frame-drum) in the ceremonies of a Sufi Order. He is a musician and teacher of Sufi drumming, and the events organizer for Silk Roads.
Alia Alzougbi
Lebanese Alia Alzougbi is a professional storyteller and actor with an MA in Applied Theatre. She is also a dabka performer (the traditional community dance found all over the Middle-East). Her work focuses on presenting a positive image of the Arab world.
Louai Alhenawi
Syrian-born Louai Alhenawi is a master of reed flute and middle-eastern percussion. He taught music at the Conservatoire in Damascus and was soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Syria. He is the leader of Sufi ensemble Taraweeh.
Rezia Wahid MBE
Award-winning Rezia Wahid is an innovative hand-weaver whose work is feted by both craft and contemporary art circles. She is our workshop leader for weaving, textiles, mixed media and batik workshops.
All the workshop teachers have CRB enhanced disclosures and experience of teaching both adults and children.
Mission Statement
- To foster greater awareness and appreciation of the arts and spirituality inspired by the Silk Road.
- To create more opportunities for people to participate in events showcasing artforms inspired by the Silk Road.
- To foster greater community cohesion and mutual respect through workshops, events, and exhibitions.
- To present a wider perspective on arts and culture from the Islamic world to Muslim and non-Muslim alike.
- To provide the highest quality artist-educators