Seminar; Forward together, the lowry, 17th OCTOBER

Sheba Arts Artistic Director was invited by Art with Heart to join a panel discussion on how to meaningfully engage participants and audience members from refugee and migrant communities. Each panelist shared 3 minutes of top tips and audience members asked their questions. 
Here are the 4 top tips Fereshteh shared with audience members: 

1:Promote self agency: people are the owner of their voices and stories and artworks:
People are at the forefront of any artistic project about their experiences. Rather than speaking for them, provide opportunities for them to help them share their own stories, perspectives, and cultural heritage. This can take the form of co-creation, collaboration, or offering platforms for self-expression. At the end of the process, they will decide what they are going to do with their artwork and even if they agree to exhibit the work, they can withdraw at any time. Giving this reassurance, will release them from the burden of having a final product.

2: Create Safe and Inclusive Spaces:
Create an environment where people feel safe, respected, and comfortable expressing themselves. Go to people with different access needs and ask them about their needs. Don't wait for them to apply for an opportunity because they might not have the means to apply or reach out. Understand trauma-informed approaches, being mindful of language barriers, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background.  

3: Focus on Mutual Exchange and Learning
Acknowledging a two-way exchange of ideas, creativity, and experiences. Share knowledge, and resources, rather than ''helping''.Don't expect people to bow in gratitude for the opportunity you gave them.

4: Be aware of Power Dynamics and Avoid Tokenism
Ensure that refugee and migrant participants are treated as equal partners rather than subjects or symbols. create meaningful roles for them in decision-making processes and ensure their contributions are authentically valued and integrated into the project's artistic vision.  Migrant people  want to be embedded rather than being on the margins.