Workshops and next steps

Thinking about where the project is going and how it is developing... During the workshops we did earlier this year, it became clear that we were tackling a few crucial issues:
- the important role played by migrant workers in the economy. We visited schools, sometimes in the heart of agricultural areas depending on migrant labour, where students had little idea of the activity all around them.
- prejudice against the outsider - or anyone who is 'different' in close-knit communities. We heard examples of outright prejudice - 'They should go back to their own countries'. And the occasional very sad story of bullying and racism.
It's clear that in the current - dire - economy, that there are going to be changes in patterns of migrant labour. Many eastern Europeans, for example, have returned as economies at home have strengthened.
But many migrant workers remain in Cornwall. Agriculture, for example, still depends on them
So the emphasis of the workshops will turn rather more to the experience of migration and the experience of host communities. We just don't have the resources to undertake detailed surveys of local socio economic trends. But we can take fresh and challenging workshops into schools, with migrant workers, to hopefully open minds, stimulate debate and increase understanding.
But still - the first thing is to find a team!
Things are slowly coming together....

Polish buns in Shepherds Bush

In London, but thinking about Cornwall as we are just pulling together a team for the next round of workshops in school. am reminded of Ewa Cimochowska, who helped with workshops earlier this year, by the Polish bakery a few doors down the street from my office in Shepherds Bush.
Very interesting how pastries can have such a strong cultural stamp.
Ewa is a fantastic cook, as anyone who sampled her cheesecake at the Workshop we held at Truro Library will know...

Job Opportunity

I PACKED THIS MYSELF: Bringing local communities and migrant workers together in Cornwall
As regular blog readers will know... We've been working in schools, youth groups and churches with funding from the Migration Impacts Fund. The aim: to build bridges and increase understanding.

We're currently looking for someone to join the team as schools workshops leader. This work will be occasional and paid by the session. It would suit anyone who cares about social justice - and is articulate, passionate, committed and adaptable. It will involve going into schools with a team of migrant workers, addressing assemblies and classrooms and leading discussions. Workshops last year proved highly successful and schools are asking for more. Could you help? Please email me (info@bridging-arts.com) or call 0794 12 52 444.

Advertising for a team

Pulling together a team and spreading the word: have emailed around today and also put an ad in the West Briton. This worked well in the spring - but we did advertise online as well then. Since, prices have shot up - so for the time being we're sticking to print. It will be interesting to see the response.

Getting things started again

Autumn.
Back in Cornwall and getting things started for the next round of workshops. Back to Camborne, even:  and it is far too long since I have seen Bridging Arts volunteer and all rounder Mike Matthews.
The Tyacks Hotel  Camborne (scene of many Bridging Arts meetings), has changed its car park arrangements. Clamping is not out of the question - not good news for people who lose track of time...
Otherwise - it's clear, due to the level of interest from schools, that we'll need to start pulling together a team. Teachers have said that they are particularly interested in migrant workers helping to deliver the workshops, so we'll develop that angle. Last year's team (apart of course from Mike) has dispersed. Sadly (for us) Ewa and Waldek Cimoshowsky have gone back to Poland. And Inga from SEF is now in Luton. Vadim is back in Latvia.

A call from Camborne en route to Ally Pally

It's the Knitting and Stitching Show set up day at Alexandra Palace, and am battling through traffic to get there (to set up a Bridging Arts display) when Julie Rowe calls from Camborne School to see whether we can stage a day of workshops there in late November. Stop by the side of the road in Muswell Hill.
She'd like a team of migrant workers to work with us, and the students, so that we reach a whole year group at once. A great idea - and what great timing. We have just got the go-ahead to proceed with the next round of workshops.

Good news on the funding

An email from Judith Cook to say that she's authorising the second tranche of Migration Impacts Funding, so we can continue the workshops in schools. Hurray.