Our Cultures, Our Stories: Exploring Identity Through Art
The next iteration of Our Cultures, Our Stories: Exploring Identity Through Art, a new round of creative workshops and cultural events taking place in Redditch from September 2025 to February 2026.
This project builds on our ongoing partnership with Reimagine Redditch and continues our work supporting migrant women and families, particularly those from Slavic backgrounds, while remaining open and welcoming to people of all cultural backgrounds. Through a series of workshops and events, the programme explores identity, heritage, migration, and belonging, creating a space where participants can connect, share stories, and express themselves through art.
At its heart, Our Cultures, Our Stories is about fostering understanding and celebrating the diverse experiences of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) community in Redditch. The programme invites participants to explore personal and collective narratives through a range of creative practices, including visual arts, traditional crafts, performance, and collaborative storytelling.
Creative Workshops
Over the course of six months, five evening workshops will take place, each offering participants the opportunity to try different forms of creative expression. While these workshops are open to all, they are particularly focused on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for women from Slavic backgrounds.
The first workshop in the series, Exploring Identity Through Art, took place on Friday 5th September, 7-9 PM at the Oakenshaw Community Centre in Redditch. This session focussed on exploring personal stories of migration and belonging through creative techniques such as collage, drawing, and mix media art. Participants were guided to reflect on their own experiences and heritage, using art as a tool for story telling and connection.
Future workshops will include activities such as clay sculpture, photography, and folk-inspired crafts. Each session will build on the others, creating a collective journey of self-expression and shared experience. In February 2026, there will be a showcase of the work produced.
All the workshops will take place in Oakenshaw Community Centre from 7-9PM: 03/10/25, 12/12/25, 23/01/26
Family and Cultural Community Events
Alongside the main programme of workshops, there will also be a special children’s clay workshop in November, offering an opportunity for families to come together and explore creativity across generations.
In late November, the project will host a St Andrew’s Night event, continuing a beloved tradition from previous years. This evening will feature music, dance, food, and collaborative art-making, bringing together families and community members to celebrate shared cultural heritage.
The Our Cultures, Our Stories project aims to:
Amplify the voices of migrant women and families who are often underrepresented in the arts.
Build stronger connections across cultures and generations within the Redditch community.
Provide meaningful opportunities for creative expression and skill development.
Encourage a sense of pride, belonging, and empowerment among participants.
By creating spaces where stories and traditions can be shared, the project celebrates the richness of Redditch’s cultural landscape and strengthens understanding between communities.
Continuing the Partnership
This programme is part of Centrala’s ongoing collaboration with Reimagine Redditch and reflects a shared commitment to supporting migrant voices and inclusive cultural participation. Together, we aim to create lasting artistic legacies that reflect the diversity and resilience of the CEE community in Redditch.
Funded by Arts Council England