Migrant Materialities

The material culture of forced and undocumented migrants in Europe
Tiny homemade prayer book
 
Globally, mass human migration is one of the most pressing issues of our time. A better understanding of experiences of forced displacement and how people rebuild their lives in new surroundings can help to develop a more humane global migration policy.
The Migrant Materialities project showcased the diverse skills and experiences that displaced people bring with them and sought to challenge negative stereotypes.
The project is dedicated to exploring the profound impact of material culture - personal belongings, objects, and artefacts - on the experiences of forced migrants.
Operating across three European locations, it aims to understand and improve the lives of migrants through meticulous documentation, research, and advocacy.

Project aims

1. Documenting material culture in forced migration
Our first aim is to record and document the diverse ways in which material culture features in situations of forced migration. By examining personal belongings, objects, and artefacts, we gain valuable insights into the experiences and identities of migrants in various contexts. This documentation spans three European locations, providing a comprehensive view of how material culture shapes and is shaped by migration.
2. Informing social policy through material culture
We strive to understand how access to or restraint from particular materials influences the experiences of migrants. By delving into this relationship, we aim to inform relevant social policies that can significantly enhance the quality of life for forced migrants. Our research seeks to bridge the gap between material culture and social policy, advocating for changes that acknowledge and address the material needs of migrant communities.
3. Co-producing and co-curating public heritage exhibitions
Collaboration with migrants is at the heart of our project. We work closely with migrant communities to co-produce and co-curate public heritage exhibitions. These exhibitions serve as powerful platforms for migrants to share their stories, experiences, and cultural heritage with a broader audience. Through these collaborative efforts, we not only preserve and celebrate migrant heritage but also actively advocate for improved conditions for forced migrants.
Methodology
The project engaged multi-sited research. Fieldwork took place in three countries: Sweden, Greece and the UK. Alongside desk-based research and examination of existing collections of refugee material culture, the researchers engaged with participants in each of these fieldwork locations, employing a combination of:
  • in-depth qualitative interviews with humanitarians/volunteers and focus groups/workshops with refugees/migrants
  • participant observation
  • visual/audio materials collection, namely photography, drawings, WhatsApp text messages, and audio recordings.

Made in Migration (MiM)

Made in Migration is a digital exhibition created by a specialist team of displaced people, mixed-media artists, and academics who have worked together for over a year, using non-hierarchical and prefigurative methods of research and practice.
The exhibition was hosted by the Justice and Imagination in Global Displacement research collective and the Displacement Studies Research Network part of Refugee Week 2021.
Made in Migration exhibition website

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