Ukrainian refugees living in North East Lincolnshire are to take part in an immersive project fronted by Arts & Heritage organisation Our Big Picture in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.
“The Living Room” will see families and adults take part in reproducing a traditional Ukrainian living room in Grimsby. The installation will include tablecloths using authentic patterns and materials as well as handmade ‘Motanka’ dolls.
These dolls were first produced around 5,000 years ago and are thought to be a family talisman, representing goodwill and hope amongst other things.
Helping the refugees along the way will be artists Lucy Brooke and Lauren Saunders. Speaking about the collaboration, Jo Shaw, Arts & Heritage Programme Manager at Our Big Picture said she was excited to see what the group creates.
“In previous workshops with the refugees, we learnt how important art and culture was to them and for Ukraine as a country. With that in mind, we wanted to recreate that here and get as many people involved as possible.
“We want to be able to celebrate the Ukrainian community that is here in North East Lincolnshire. In addition, we hope it will help others explore how different countries live through the items we produce.”
Jo explained that Ukrainians often have certain patterns or materials in their living room which they will be looking to bring into the piece. On top of the physical installation, they hope to have contributors detailing other traditional items that you may see in a typical Ukrainian living room.
She added: “So far, the groups seem to be really enjoying the project. They’re excited to showcase their way of life to others and educate people on their culture.”
The project will culminate in an exhibition over the Summer where the public will be able to explore the finished living room and learn about the different items that are in it.
Sessions run biweekly on a Thursday for adults from 10am to 12pm and on Saturday for families, held from 2.30pm to 4pm at Our Big Picture on Bethlehem Street, Grimsby.
The exhibition will run from Tuesday, 13 August, to Friday, 17 August, with an event being held on the 17th to showcase the participants’ work.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
