Geet Kahani | Project Overview
Geet Kahani was developed in response to an urgent need identified within Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in the UK — a growing disconnect from cultural identity and heritage shaped by migration, integration pressures, and generational change.
Within these communities exists a rich tradition of oral storytelling and folk songs (lok geet), carrying memories, values, and histories across generations. However, many of these heritage forms were at risk of being lost, particularly women’s voices, which are often underrepresented in public cultural spaces.
Geet Kahani addressed this gap by bringing together two endangered heritage forms — oral storytelling and folk songs — within a safe, community-led environment. Over 25 weeks of workshops, women were supported to reconnect with their stories, songs, languages, and lived experiences, not as participants alone, but as cultural knowledge-holders.
The project placed community voices at the centre, allowing stories to be shaped and shared by those who live them, rather than interpreted or reframed by others. This approach helped challenge existing narratives and strengthened confidence, belonging, and collective identity.
Beyond heritage preservation, Geet Kahani focused on wellbeing and connection. The act of singing, storytelling, and listening created space for trust, reduced isolation, and strengthened community bonds, demonstrating how culture can support both individual and collective wellbeing. Geet Kahani also highlighted the importance of leadership and collective responsibility. Meaningful change requires communities to come together with intention, ownership, and shared purpose.
Funded by the Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS), Geet Kahani stands as an example of how heritage-led, community-based arts projects can empower women, strengthen identities, and create positive cultural representation.
While this chapter has now concluded, the learning, relationships, and momentum created through Geet Kahani continue to shape future work.
