Culturally Diverse Heritage in the North-East of England at Durham University

19th June 2024

Had a really lovely time in Durham on Wednesday. I presented at the ‘Culturally Diverse Heritage in the North-East of England’ workshop organised by Dr. David Petts from Durham University.

I had some really fantastic conversations with attendees from different heritage organisations. It was great connecting with other speakers at the event including Dr. Beverley Prevatt Goldstein (Chair, North East of England African Community Association), Taz Nasif-Whitestone (University of Newcastle), and Yan Sun (Dept of Archaeology, Durham University) Their insights were truly valuable.

I was a little nervous at first about presenting in front of academics as an ‘artist’ and discussed ‘Woven Threads: Exploring the Artistic Tapestry of North East England.’ Touching on topics such as outsider art, public artwork, access, neurodiversity and hidden histories.

Let’s have more important conversations and events like this in the future!

Summary of the workshop:

Bringing Racially Marginalised individuals and communities centre-stage
Beverley Prevatt Goldstein (Chair, North East of England African Community Association)

Local Black histories and intergenerational stories of resilience
Taz Nasif-Whitestone (University of Newcastle)

Woven Threads: Exploring the Artistic Tapestry of North East England
Sofia Barton (Artist)

Chinese Community’s Heritages at Newcastle
Yan Sun (Dept of Archaeology, Durham University)

Many thanks to Dr David Petts (Associate Professor in Archaeology, Durham University) for the invite!