Culture, Arts and Refugees

Project Focus:

Worked with African refugees in the North East region of England to create opportunities for African people to contribute to the region’s cultural life. The project was also designed to address social exclusion and disadvantage faced by participants and to improve access to opportunities, networks and public services such as health and education.

Background:

North Tyneside Arts Studio focuses on the use of arts and culture for social change. Karibu evolved from an ongoing project with the Mental Health Trust for North Tyneside,Newcastle and Northumberland that aimed to provide greater support for refugees and asylum seekers, especially from Africa. North Tyneside Arts Studio explored the possibilities for cultural provision with local African community organisations and began working in partnership.The initial impetus of the project was going out to talk to stakeholders and potential beneficiaries to see what needs and opportunities existed.
Needs identified through this process included:

• A concern for African refugees and asylum seekers to become part of and participate in the life and communities of the region.
• Recognition of the contribution to the economic life of the region.
• Addressing racism.
• Offering provision for children.
• Recognising educational and professional qualifications.
• Building information and networks.
• Facilitating access to public services.
• Providing services relevant to their needs.
• Help overcoming transport barriers.
  

Participants:

African refugees and asylum seekers living in North Tyneside

Activities:

North Tyneside Arts Studio worked closely with the African refugee population to develop projects to address their needs and build collaboration with other local agencies.
Arts activities were used to connect with people, build trust, solicit ideas, identify partners and participants and to begin engaging people in other networks and organisations. The focus of projects was on encouraging new ways of thinking and acting informed by the perceptions and experiences of Africans. Arts activities included poetry/storytelling workshops, a photographic exhibition,music, drumming and ceramics. Partnerships included a commission for the North East Archives, Museums and Libraries Council, a presentation at a conference at Teeside University,working with street wardens in Middlesbrough and scientists at Newcastle University, and ongoing activities with two African community organisations. Participants were closely involved in developing the work and projects were conducted in a variety of languages including English, French, Portuguese and Ewe.

Outcomes:

• Participants developed organisation, planning and management skills.
• One participant who makes large ceramic pots has started running workshops for people with learning difficulties.
• One writer participant was involved in Black History Week which they were otherwise unaware of.
• Participants gained confidence and presentation skills by presenting at a conference.
  

Sources:

Research interview and questionnaire.

Contact details:

North Tyneside Arts Studio

Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace,
North Shields Tyne & Wear
NE30 2AY
Tel: +44 (0) 191 296 1156
E: ntc.artstudio@connectfree.co.uk
www.artstudio.cc/