Foody art project reaches out to marginalised communities
A new project will explore the food heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in north Northumberland
Artist Sneha Solanki is to lead a project looking at the cultural heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities in north Northumberland with a particular focus on food.
Her research, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, is to be undertaken as part of a collaborative doctoral award between Newcastle University and The Maltings (Berwick) Trust.
James Lowther, the Trust’s head of visual arts, said he was delighted that the importance of the work had been recognised.
He hoped it would lead to new ways of working alongside often excluded communities and embedding them in the future operations of The Maltings and the evolving Berwick Barracks.
Sneha Solanki, who has worked with various North East arts institutions, said GRT communities had a long history in Northumberland and surrounding areas and there were places where they would gather to work and cook.
“I am thrilled to start this work to learn and eat alongside GRT communities and to understand how we can continue this work long-term with The Maltings and Berwick Barracks,” she added.
The project is seen as an important opportunity to ensure that the stories, traditions and knowledge of GRT communities are recognised, understood and reflected.