Wheelworks Arts' Initiatives for Race Equality Week

As Race Equality Week unfolds across the UK from 5th to 11th February 2024, Wheelworks Arts proudly reflects on its commitment to promoting racial equality, tolerance, and integration through various programmes conducted over the past year. This annual event, which unites countless organisations and individuals, aims to dismantle barriers to race equality in workplaces nationwide.

Race Equality Week 2024, guided by the theme #ListenActChange, seeks to sustain momentum and expedite transformative action by rallying myriad organisations towards a concerted effort to confront race inequality within workplaces. This theme, coined by the Race Equality Matters (REM) community, underscores the pressing need for substantive action over mere rhetoric.

Building upon the foundation laid in the previous year, which underscored the collective responsibility for racial equality in the workplace (#ItsEveryonesBusiness), the 2024 theme #ListenActChange calls for decisive action. It advocates for a shift from passive listening and discussion to active engagement and tangible outcomes.

Over the last few months Wheelworks Arts (WWA) has been instrumental in championing this cause through several impactful programmes conducted throughout the year. In Downpatrick, a six-week initiative with the LGBTQI+ youth group empowered young individuals to reclaim their club space by engaging in creative activities such as fabric manipulation, embroidery, and tie-dyeing to foster a sense of belonging and self-expression.

Similarly, at Fane Street Primary School, digital technology workshops were conducted for young people, particularly those from newcomer backgrounds, utilising augmented reality and sticker-making to foster digital literacy and inclusivity.

GLOW NI, another WWA initiative, provided a platform for young girls to celebrate their identities through the creation of personalized hoodies and T-shirts, employing techniques such as iron-on vinyl and tie-dyeing, thereby fostering confidence and empowerment.

Furthermore, WWA, working with Radius Housing's building project in Dungannon, aimed to integrate the East Timorese community by working with people across the area to redesign, develop and build a shared community garden with to promote sustainability and inclusivity by including community murals and insect houses.

As Race Equality Week 2024 unfolds, WWA calls upon individuals and organisations to join hands in the collective endeavour towards racial equality. By actively participating in this movement and translating rhetoric into meaningful action, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.