IROKO Theatre company has received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support their Home from Home project, which aims to explore the legacies of pioneering British Nigerians in the UK, and their impact on society. It will highlight British Nigerians’ contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, in particular. The project will shine a light on the community’s past, present and current strength, struggle, commitments, perseverance, achievements and ingenuity as they continue to navigate their existence in the UK.

The project will also offer practical training and volunteering opportunities to 60 people who wish to gain research, heritage and video recording and editing skills.  Additionally, 20 people will take part in IROKO/AIM Groups accredited training programme on using the performative arts to engage with people who would normally not take part in heritage activities.

 

 

Other activities will involve researching, collecting and presenting information about the (hi)stories of 30 influential British Nigerians and 15 oral histories of Nigerian Londoners. Research findings will be presented in a clear format and will be hosted on the project’s microsite, www.hfh.irokotheatre.org.uk. The research materials will also be used to create a touring exhibition in libraries across eight London Boroughs, and to devise a musical-theatre piece that will be shared with the local and wider community through sharing days activities.

 

 

IROKO Theatre Company, founded in 1996, uses African theatre arts and heritage, incorporating oral storytelling, drama, music, dance, arts and craft, as a vehicle to advance education, skills, health and wellbeing of members of the public. To achieve this, we conduct research, exhibitions, workshops, performances, and provide resources and accredited training programmes. Our aim is to raise awareness, preserve and enhance knowledge of African arts, culture and heritage by taking our work to the wider community.

For further information

If you would like to hear more about this exciting project please contact Neema Kambona or for more detailed information about the AIM Group Quality Mark, please contact our Business Development colleagues.