Our Shared Spaces – The Heart of Home
70 Portuguese, Indian, Pakistani, African-Caribbean, Jamaican, Filipino, Jewish-Ukrainian, and British people crafted a tablecloth representing their memories of home-cooked meals during two workshops at Sunshine International Arts workshop in Loughborough Junction in June 2025.
This project was funded by Myatt’s Fields Forum, with five £500 grants offered to local organisations to help improve access to sustainable, culturally appropriate food in the Food Five Ways area. It supported the work of Lambeth Food Partnership project, Food Five Ways. IEL is a partner in Food Five Ways.
More detail about the project from Sunshine International Arts:
The “Our Shared Spaces – The Heart of Home” project was an integral part of our Art in De Alleyway initiative, successfully engaging our local community during our Spring activities. This report summarises our achievements and highlights the collaborative spirit fostered throughout the project.
Overview-
Over the course of the project, we delivered two dynamic workshops aimed at celebrating and exploring the concept of home through art. These workshops attracted a diverse audience, with approximately 70 participants, including individuals and families from varying backgrounds.
Community Engagement-
A total of 30 participants actively engaged in the design process, contributing their ideas to create a collaborative art piece that truly reflects the essence of our community. The workshops provided a platform for participants to express their thoughts and memories associated with home, resulting in a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.
Collaborating with Local Talent-
To enhance the creative process, we partnered with two emerging local artists and students who played a significant role in the development of the final collage. Their involvement not only enriched the project aesthetically but also provided valuable mentorship opportunities for the students, fostering a sense of pride and ownership within the community.
Diversity and Inclusion-
The project successfully showcased the diversity of our local community, bringing together participants of all ages and backgrounds. We were particularly pleased to see an intergenerational mix, allowing for the exchange of ideas and experiences between younger and older community members.
Acknowledgments-
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lambeth Food Partners for their generous support and funding, which made this project possible. Their commitment to community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership.
Conclusion-
The “Our Shared Spaces – The Heart of Home” project not only achieved its artistic goals but also fostered a sense of unity and belonging within our community. We look forward to building on this success in future projects and continuing to celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences that make our community unique.
