In following our theme of equality and inclusion we were delighted to have a
creative interlude by ArtsEkta.
ArtsEkta, whose Chief Executive is Nisha Tandon, is a multi-award-winning arts
and cultural organisation working throughout Northern Ireland. ArtsEkta is based
in Belfast and is home to the Belfast Mela (held annually during the August Bank
Holiday weekend). ArtsEkta is dedicated to strengthening and deepening
relationships between different cultures and communities through a series of
exciting and inspiring culturally based programmes.
Further information regarding our projects and service delivery can be found on
our website: www.artsekta.org.uk
Introduced by Nabeela Yasin Llanelli (ArtsEkta) and Bronagh Diamond, a selfemployed writer and comedian from West Belfast brought the
journey and
lives of so many refugees and asylum seekers into the hearts and minds of
delegates.
Telling the very poignant stories as captured from interviews with Emmanuel,
a Sudanese man, (aged 40) and Saaniya, a Syrian woman, (aged 36) Using their
words and Bronagh made us all think about what it is like when arriving in an
unknown territory, without a job and little prospect of acquiring one that
reflects your skills and experience's, in a country where you don't underhand
the language and little attempt is made by others to understand you.
With permission from ArtsEkta the stories are included here.