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Minority groups capture Wigan
A multi media arts project is set to give a
fascinating insight into what life is like in Wigan for minority groups.
‘Life In Wigan’ has seen the Rafiki / Motswako group, for Black Minority
Ethnic young people, and a group of travellers, based at Little Lane in
Goose Green, record what life is like for them in the town through
photography, film and music.
Once completed, photography from the project will be exhibited at the
Turnpike Gallery in Leigh and a film made by the travellers will be
broadcast online.
Rafiki / Motswako group members have been taught the basics of
photography on the project by Manchester photographer Johan Oldekop.
The young people have used their new skills to capture their experiences
at major Wigan landmarks and events like the JJB Stadium, the WOW
Festival and Mesnes Park, as well as photographing their everyday lives
in the communities in which they live.
The photos are now being made into a collage that will also include
pictures of the young people in the countries of origin, which include
Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Jordan and St Lucia. The idea behind the
project is to explore people’s identities and to show how people can be
part of many different cultures.
more.
Prosper Donnir, 15, from Ince says: “I grew up in Ghana and I really
enjoyed living there but I see my life in Wigan is an exciting
adventure. Certain things are better here, like school facilities, but,
on the other hand, there was more to do when I was hanging out with my
friends in Ghana. The cultures are very different but there are some
similarities too, like the most popular sports. I’ve really enjoyed the
‘Life in Wigan’ project. I’ve learnt what makes a good photograph and
how to make pictures more interesting using Photoshop. The photos tell a
story and people might learn some things they didn’t know about Wigan
from them.”
The Little Lane Travellers Group is creating a film that documents how
they first came to Wigan and the experiences they have had here. The
movie captures their identity by examining arts and crafts traditional
to the group, such as folk tales and singing.
‘Life in Wigan’ is being run by the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Arts
& Festivals Team in partnership with ‘Let’s Go Global’ in Trafford,
thanks to funding from the Authorities of Greater Manchester Association
(AGMA).
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Arts Development Officer Vicky Fletcher
says: “The project aims to improve the participant’s confidence and self
esteem, providing them with an opportunity to express their opinions,
increase their digital media skills and to have their work viewed by an
international audience.”
-ends-
Notes to Editors
Further information
• For further information please contact the Youth Information team at
Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust on (01942) 486927
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