Creative Diwaniya is a project funded by National Lottery Fund Wales, running for 24 months with a session held every month. The sessions provide a welcoming space where people can take part in creative activities, express themselves, and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.

A Diwaniya is a traditional gathering space in many Arabic-speaking cultures, where people come together to talk, share ideas, and socialise. Inspired by this concept, Creative Diwaniya offers a space where people can engage in creative activities while also meeting others and building a sense of community.

The project aims to:

• Provide a safe and inclusive space where people can explore creativity.
• Encourage self-expression through different artistic activities.
• Create opportunities for social connection in a welcoming environment.
• Support well-being by offering a therapeutic and engaging creative outlet.
• Help participants develop new skills that boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Support integration by encouraging participants to engage with wider social, educational, and cultural opportunities.

Some sessions have been held for Arabic-speaking refugees and asylum seekers, giving them a space where they can take part in creative activities while speaking their own language, Arabic. These sessions allow participants to express themselves freely while also taking part in activities that encourage social interaction and new experiences.

 One of the sessions focused on lino cut printing, where participants learned how to carve designs, apply paint, and create their own prints on card. The activity provided a calming and creative experience, allowing them to focus on the artistic process and enjoy the satisfaction of making something by hand.

Other Creative Diwaniya sessions included air-dry clay workshops, sketching and journaling at The National Waterfront Museum, building sandcastles on the beach, and a pottery-painting session at Craftsea — all offering participants relaxing, hands-on ways to express themselves and connect with others.

Creative Diwaniya also held two celebration sessions for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which had a very positive impact, especially since most participants live alone and often feel homesick. These gatherings created a warm sense of community, allowing everyone to connect, share stories, and celebrate together in a supportive environment.

October came with a Halloween décor workshop, where participants used all the creative skills they had learned throughout the sessions, showcasing their artistic growth and teamwork.

To ensure the workshops continue to be meaningful, private conversations were held with attendees to understand their needs and concerns. This helps shape future sessions to be as useful and supportive as possible.

Hot Arabic meals were provided, along with traditional Arabian Peninsula blonde coffee, saffron tea, and Arabic desserts and snacks, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Sharing food together helped make the session feel comfortable and familiar, reinforcing the idea that these gatherings are as much about connection as they are about creativity.

By providing a space where people can express themselves, meet others, and build confidence, Creative Diwaniya helps participants take positive steps towards integrating into the wider community. Through creativity, social interaction, and shared experiences, the sessions encourage people to feel more at home in their new environment while developing skills that can help them in different areas of life.

With more workshops planned, Creative Diwaniya will continue to offer creative sessions where people can learn, express themselves, and connect with others in a supportive and welcoming environment.