Frequently Asked Questions
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EXPRESSIONS! only reflects one part of what the Centre will be about. The Centre will also focus on the huge diversity of local people's stories, achievements, talents and experiences – the significant events and moments in their lives. In the exhibition space we want to have multi-media installations, events and 'happenings'. We want to enable people to collaborate and learn together to create visually stunning exhibitions where there is real dialogue between people of very different artistic genres. We want people who don't usually think of themselves as artists to work alongside people who do – in a whole variety of styles. That's why we use the word 'intercultural'
If there are so few people from black and minority ethnic groups living in York compared to other places, why does York need a Centre?
It's true that compared to the national average, the number of people living in York from these groups is low. This, however, can often result in feelings of isolation, under-representation and loneliness for many from these groups. In addition, although York does not have a large number of any one minority ethnic group, there is a particularly wide range of ethnic groups living here – statistics point to about forty. York is also changing, and these numbers are steadily increasing.
York is perceived as being a white, wealthy, Christian monoculture. As long as it continues to be perceived in this way, people can ignore the range and richness of its true diversity. Misunderstanding and intolerance is therefore more likely to continue.
By having a Centre that reflects and represents the real diversity, York residents will be able to see the city they are living in in its true nature.
Where will the YUMI Centre be?
The YUMI Centre does not as yet have a location – this is a lengthy process which will need funding support, and which we are working on . We know that it needs to be central and with a passing public, so that York residents perceive it as their own. Having built up our contacts and created a strong network of supporters and committed individuals, we are now in the position to be able to look for the appropriate venue. It would have been too soon before now: with even a large amount of financial backing but without the will and energy of individuals, the Centre would not be sustainable. At the moment of writing, Summer 2006, now is the right time. You will be informed of progress on this if you sign up to the newsletter.
Isn't it enough just to have the EXPRESSIONS! Festival and other events in the centre of town to reflect York's diversity?
Whilst EXPRESSIONS! and other events, such as the Multicultural 'Come Sing!' in the Minster, are crucial, we think that the impact of these can only be short-lived unless there is also a permanent venue. The potential for collaboration, skills development and mentoring in EXPRESSIONS!, for example, is limited to preparation and experience for one weekend in a year. Whilst there is a definite and very positive impact both on the public and on those participating, this could be developed further and much more widely if there was a permanent venue.
In addition, EXPRESSIONS! and other events represent only one or two areas of activity which will be possible in the Centre. Do have a look at the ideas of what the plans are for there, to see examples of the range of possibilities.
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