KIN: designing a new world with kindness at its heart

From the creators of Shambala festival comes KIN, running from November 8-11 at the Arnolfini.

The weekend-long programme of events promises to share kindness from around the world with Bristolians who are keen to make the world a better place.

Sid Sharma is the creative director of Shambala and KIN. So what inspired him to want to put on a new programme of events around the theme of kindness?

“Donald Trump and Nigel Farage,” he says.

“We felt that now, more than ever, is the time to create a better narrative then the one that these two are telling. Rather than looking at the global world through the prism of fear, hostility and isolation, we want to interact with one another with hope, empathy and kindness.”

The name KIN comes from the Old English word ‘cynn’, which forms the root of child, kind and king.  “The theory is that the words kind and kindness came from acting like family to others,” Sid says.

“We wanted to call our event KIN because this word perfectly described our intentions to explore ways to increase capacities for kindness.”

This kindness is not just felt between humans but is shown towards animals, plants and ourselves.

KIN will be a celebration of art and activism intertwined with practical and profound outcomes. “Once the weekend is over, KIN doesn’t just disappear,” Sid says. “We will leave with fire in our bellies, newfound skills and actions to take into our communities.”

The festival promises to be for everyone, regardless of race, colour, sexual orientation or age.

Activities for younger generations include a zine workshop run by Rife Magazine, an online platform for young people aged 13-24 that is run from the Watershed, and which empowers young writers and creatives to create content and make their voices heard.

Euella Jackson will co-host a zine workshop

Rife alumni Jazz Thompson and Euella Jackson will take attendees through the process of DIY publishing and approach it as a way to make noise and get your voice heard.

Other highlights from the packed programme of panel discussions, workshops and activities include a screening of Black Mother, the latest film directed by Khalik Allah who collaborated on Beyoncé’s Lemonade album, and a talk from award-winning body-positive blogger Chidera Eggerue, also known as The Slumflower, who Sid calls “very bold”.

The festival brings together thinkers, makers and doers from all over the globe, but also right here in Bristol.

“Rife are Bristol’s most-loved youth network in Bristol. Everyone kept telling us about them.” Sid says.

“We had to get them involved.”

‘Drag Queen Story Time marks a symbolic shift in consciousness’

Drag Queen Story Time is another local organisation that has been invited: “It’s motivated by encouraging a sense of love and acceptance, and marks a symbolic shift in consciousness. It’s unprecedented enough that the Daily Mail kicked up a stink when it launched, which always seems like a badge of brilliance.”

As for where to host the festival, Sid has no doubts that Bristol will prove to be the right choice. “There’s no other city quite like Bristol in the UK,” he says. “It’s maverick, rebellious and DIY, but with a fluffy creative edge. It is known for making trouble because it’s bored of waiting.”

And the one message that Sid hopes everyone attending KIN will come away with? “That love trumps hate!”

Find more information about the programme and buy tickets at www.kin.world.

Main image by Louise Roberts

Read more: Breakfast with Bristol24/7: Sid Sharma