Cultural Encounters
Cultural Encounters is a new group for adults in Byker that started in April 2022. The group go and see a range of events including Comedy, Film, Music, Theatre, Dance, Art and Food Festivals then discuss them afterwards.
The group decides what to go and see and can be anything they’re interested in. At the end of the project, the group is supported to set up their own event for the community based on the event they enjoyed the most.
The group see a few things together each month and the project ends with the groups event in Winter 2022.
Meet some members of the group
Cath
Why are you taking part in Cultural Encounters?
“I’m a community person, I’m a people person. The thought of putting on events in Byker really thrills me”
What have you enjoyed about the project so far?
“Meeting people, going to the events and talking about it afterwards”
What have you learnt from being involved?
“Listen. Everyones point of view is valid”
Michael
Why did you get involved with this project?
“Who could not accept an offer of free theatre trips!? That was my first reason, but then it became apparent that it is more than that. I’m not a young person anymore, but I need to get out and about and talk to other people. Now it’s developing into something more than that, which I’m really grateful to take part in and it’s good to see other people working in creative ways”
What are you enjoying the most?
The meetings, the get togethers. It’s really good to hear what other people say and different backgrounds.
What have you learnt from being involved?
Well there’s lots of other bits to my life that I have to prioritise sometimes- I’ve got grandkids, i’ve got an allotment but bringing these things together has made my life very interesting and worthwhile- and this project is part of that.
Birgul
Why have you taken part in this project?
Because I live in Byker and I like to be with people from Byker. We are neighbours and friends.
What have you enjoyed the most?
A concert in Victoria Tunnel. And we also came together and cooked something and ate together.
Photos from an event planning session
Photos from the Orions Belta event
