Routing Diaspora Histories 

Funded by the Centre for Cultural Value

This project will explore the impact of destabilising established, prevailing historical narratives on individual and group identity formation. We aim to centre ancient, indigenous African histories and reposition notions of diasporic identity that might usually draw on slavery and (post)colonialism, trauma and resistance. Starting points include: historical references, maps, stories, folklore, memories connected to locations and communities positioned along local, regional and national pre-colonial trading routes across Africa.

The project will focus on facilitating supported interactions using this material (through skills and workshop development) from which potential shifts of intention, emotion, outlook, sense of self and community, knowledge-acquisition etc. might occur, amongst those taking part.

With the supportive collaboration of workshop leaders, the research participants will interpret pre-colonial and personal histories actively and creatively through constructive, performative, cultural and storytelling activities, e.g., walks, talks, readings, workshops, writing, arts engagement and mobile phone filmmaking processes.

This anti-racism centred project will particularly benefit diaspora communities but will equally speak to participants from many other demographics, creating an accessible, inclusive environment for broad and in-depth creative learning and exchange.

Documentation of research processes, findings and outcomes will be compiled on a publicly accessible website to be added to in the future."