In what new ways can we look at Black and diasporic identities within creative practice? Does history have to be the gatekeeper of the future?

Routing Diaspora Histories saw a collaboration between academics from the University of Roehampton and The South North, a community interest company specialising in producing and curating arts, education and heritage programmes that support creativity, connection and equity across London.

This collaborative research project was supported by the Centre’s Collaborate fund, tackling under-explored questions around cultural value.

Their research focused on exploring how diasporic communities connect with history in their contemporary lived experiences, alongside the histories of the countries and regions from which they, or their ancestors, departed.

Repositioning notions of diasporic identity

The anti-racism-centred project focused on three main questions:

• What opportunities arise for looking at Black and diasporic identities in new ways when we go beyond established historical narratives which centre on slavery and struggles?
• What can we learn from responding to more expanded histories in creative and personal ways?
• How do our lives contribute to the making of history in the present moment?

Using maps, stories, historical references, folklore and memories, Routing Diaspora Histories aimed to consider additional notions of diasporic identity otherwise anchored by often traumatic narratives, facilitating new pathways of thought and experience.

A series of creative responses were presented at a launch symposium and exhibition at Goldsmiths, University of London where participants shared artwork, performance and writing, alongside taking part in talks and workshops.

Building more meaningful connections

Vanessa Ansa and Damali Ibreck from The South North CIC reflect on the collaborative project:

“Routing Diaspora Histories was a project that stemmed from complex, personal and shared histories of African and Caribbean heritage. It attempted to bring forward ideas and agency for reclaiming pre-colonial knowledge, tradition, experiences and memories. The project used participatory and creative research to unpick historiography in order to counter continuing racist narratives.

Working collaboratively with the university sector allowed access to resources that enabled us to create the space for this much needed exploration and to nurture participants’ own practice and personal development.

The practical and relational challenges faced within Routing Diaspora Histories showed the continuing need to build more meaningful connections between academia and the cultural field to enable more impactful and sustained anti-racist work.

The bringing together of the research in the final symposium enabled new academic connections and pathways for this work to continue.”

You can explore this collaborative research project, access recordings and participant reflections and responses on The South North website.

You may also be interested in the following resources:

How to … amplify diverse voices in research and evaluation

How to … approach anti-racist audience and community research