Story Man Celebration Event at Square Chapel Centre for the Arts

On Tuesday 1st December Sharon and Jeff from verd de gris brought together all the participants on the Story Man project for a wonderful performance event at Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax. Our honoured guests included the Deputy Mayor of Calderdale Ferman Ali, and Pavel Botos representing the Roma community in Halifax. We were also pleased to welcome Robin Tuddenham, Director of Communities at Calderdale MBC, as well as local Muslim Elders, students and staff from Calderdale College and children from schools across the borough.

Story Man is a 6 month community arts project delivered by verd de gris as part of the Creative Communities partnership programme.
The project brought schools together with artists Natalie Speake and Peter Findlay to explore stories of migration and what it is to make a life in a new country.
“What does it mean for individuals and families to leave everything behind? How does it feel to make a new life in a far away country?”
The company delivered workshops in schools and worked with students at Calderdale College to develop a moving and mesmerising performance at Square Chapel.

Cllr Ali and Mr Botos were both invited to address the audience after the performance. Both men spoke with great dignity and grace – sharing their own stories of ‪migration and their respective families journey to the UK. Cllr Ali in particular, spoke about the importance of ‘democracy’ and the gratitude his community owes to the UK: for giving them the opportunity and support to realise ambitions, hopes and dreams. It was a very moving speech and a powerful message for the young people present …

Creative Communities is a project delivered in partnership by Square Chapel, verd de gris Ltd and Orangebox young people’s centre. It is supported with funding from the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.