Afrocats are an award winning charity who support refugees, asylum seekers and anyone facing social exclusion in Greater Manchester. Afrocats work with adults, as well as young people aged 6-18, to build agency, aspirations and opportunities to improve overall life chances through creative engagement. Here at the Whitworth we’ve admired their work for a long time and were keen to partner up and see how we could learn from each other.

During February half term and the Easter holidays of 2022 Afrocats and the Whitworth joined forces for a creative arts, dance and music ‘Takeover’ aimed at Afrocats’ service-users alongside additional refugees, asylum seekers, and the public of Greater Manchester.

Breaking down barriers to accessing cultural and creative opportunities is key to Afrocats’ work. Magdalen, founder and CEO of Afrocats has her own story of culture shock and dealing with the challenges of life in a new country so is uniquely placed to work with organisations looking to open their spaces up to people who have experienced migration.

We knew it would be many families’ first visit to the Whitworth so it was important that families visiting during the ‘Takeover’ felt welcome as soon as they arrived. With this in mind, Afrocats filled the South Gallery with vibrant movement and music from around the world welcoming families and putting them at ease as soon as they arrived.

“There’s been a great vibe, buzzing with activity and lots going on. It’s nice to come to the Whitworth and feel welcome, that it’s a place you can make noise and not feel you have to be quiet”

Lucy Turner, Producer (Early Years & Families)

Families were also encouraged to visit the School of Creativity where artists were providing creative arts and craft activities. Families could get stuck into South Asian, African and Carribean themed activities led by artist Nayna Ladd.

“I love using my skills to help people be creative. The whole three days have been fun, we’ve even had people come back – it’s great for kids to be doing this because it’s free and in a space where everyone can work together.”

Nayna Ladd, Artist

A large team of both Whitworth and Afrocats volunteers were on hand to help wherever needed. They had numerous roles, from managing refreshments, supporting the creative team, collecting evaluations and completing photo consent forms, as well as welcoming and directing families to the different spaces.

Both ‘Takeovers’ have been hugely popular with over 1700 people attending the activities over the two holiday periods. Over 90% of the families were first-time visitors to the Whitworth and came from a range of places including Afrocats members, Britannia hotel, a Longsight women’s group, Rainbowhaven, Manchester City of Sanctuary, and Women Asylum Seekers Together.

From evaluation it was found that families visiting during the ‘Takeover’ came from Somalia, Iran. Syria. Kuwait, Pakistan, Britain, Afghanistan. Ghana, India, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Palestine, Yemen, America

“We’re committed to being a safe and welcoming space for refugees and people seeking asylum. I couldn’t think of a better way of doing that, than integrating our work with what Magdalen wants to achieve with Afrocats.”

Due to the success of the last two Takeovers we are now working with Afrocats and discussing the future of the partnership and our next steps, so watch this space.

Fiona Cariss, Whitworth Volunteer Manager