Frames of Mind worked in partnership with Southampton University, (Drs Heidi Armbruster, Associate Professor and Social Anthropologist & Dr Marie-Anne Helene Mansfield), Southampton & Winchester Visitors Group and a group of young male forced migrants, living in temporary accommodation in Southampton.
The aim of the project was to explore the impact, of engaging in creative digital activities in nature settings, on wellbeing and sense of belonging.
In response to a guided walk led by New Forest Rangers and Southampton University researchers, Frames of Mind designed a bespoke programme of creative activities to inspire participants to immerse themselves in nature and the unique environments of the New Forest.
Immersed in Nature
Participants were each given an iPad and an activity sheet with creative prompts to respond to as on two led, but ‘free-form’ walks.
Activities included macro and micro photography, ‘animating the forest’ in-situ, audio recording, and creative writing, offering a tool for reflection, dialogue and emplaced storytelling.
The project explored the role of artistic practice in understanding and communicating how sanctuary is experienced by people with precarious immigration status and the relationship to place, community and biography that this status may afford.
Another aim of the project was to develop more understanding of knowledge exchange-informed research in contexts of refugee solidarity and the potential of arts-based practices as forms of engagement, through which sociability can form and sanctuary seekers are positioned as experts, voicing their own knowledge.
The culmination of the work produced during the field trips was curated and edited in collaboration with the migrant group. The resulting film, Sanctuary was previewed at Co-producing Research In The Asylum and Refugee Context conference, 1 July 2024, University of Southampton.
“Curating Connections: Exploring a British National Park With Young Asylum Seekers.” Anthropology and Humanism 00(0): e70045.