EQUALITY charity Liberate is due to host a series of workshops designed to bring together members of marginalised communities in Jersey.
A collaboration between Liberate chief executive Kaye Nicholson and artist Kelly Eastwood, the Diversi-Tea project aims to break down barriers between groups who ordinarily might not get the chance to interact with each other.
The events will be hosted at Jersey Library throughout October, and Ms Nicholson and Ms Eastwood hope to “facilitate connection and communication” through collaboration on art pieces.
The first workshop is dedicated to bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of all faiths. The project will use wooden slats to “represent the idea of building bridges”. It takes place on Tuesday 1 October.
The second will focus on the different generations of LGBTQ+ people, taking place on Saturday 12 October. This art project will explore what pride means to individuals of different ages, using acrylic paints and collage techniques.
The subject of the final creative workshop of the series will be finalised based on interest and the uptake of the earlier sessions.
Commenting on what she hopes to achieve with the workshops, Ms Nicholson said: “We want to create positive connections and experiences between different community groups.
“It’s an opportunity for members of the community to do something creative, connect and combat any sense of isolation. It’s also a valuable learning opportunity for everyone involved.”
She added: “You don’t need to be super artistic, as Kelly is there for support. All you need is interest and enthusiasm to create something.”
The workshops are funded by the Government of Jersey’s Connect Me initiative, a grant scheme that supports cultural and physical activities in the community.
It aims to “promote a sense of connection, prevent loneliness and enhance both physical health and overall wellbeing”.
Ms Nicholson said: “We want to provide space for members of marginalised groups to express themselves, their feelings and experiences, while providing that visual representation they need.”
Ms Nicholson said she hoped that the Diversi-Tea project was the first of many community-based initiatives Liberate could support.
She added: “I want to be led by community members on what kind of things they want to see and [I want to] facilitate where I can.”
The art will be displayed in an exhibition in November.
The workshops are free to attend, with all materials provided. Ms Nicholson is urging anybody from the communities the workshops focus on to get in touch if they would like to be added to the guest list. She can be contacted by emailing kaye@liberate.je.
