A new project that sees arts organisation ‘identity on tyne’ partner with five National Parks in the north of England has officially appointed Nadia Emam, freelance director for theatre and film, as Creative in Residence for the North York Moors.
Funded by Arts Council England, this Black-led project will contribute to the changing narrative around who has a right to have a connection with nature and add more diverse voices to discussions around the climate crisis facing society today. It consists of five residencies for creatives of the Global Majority in the Northumberland, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Lake District National Parks. Each residency is self-designed, allowing creatives to build closer links between themselves, the National Park and the diverse communities they serve.
Nadia grew up in Scarborough and has strong links with the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where she says she found her calling as a director, poet and filmmaker. Nadia describes herself as ‘unapologetically Arabic and quintessentially Yorkshire’ and spent a lot of childhood enjoying the moors and coast with her Mum, who was a National Park Voluntary Ranger.
Nadia says:
“I’m absolutely chuffed to bits to be a part of this incredible artist residency offered by identity on tyne. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with my National Park, the place I grew up in, and exploring how its beautiful landscape can heal, nourish and inspire creativity for myself and global majority community members within its reach.”
Dr. Sheree Mack, Project Coordinator of identity on tyne, says:
“The Black Nature in Residence Programme is providing much needed space outdoors for diverse creatives and communities to just be in the British countryside, to take up space, create and share stories around the natural environment by and for diverse communities. Having creatives of the Global Majority in residence within nature is powerful inspiration for others within the cultural and creative industries. This leadership role has the potential to change perceptions and narratives around who has a right to be creative within nature as well as within society as a whole.”
Sally-Ann Smith, Head of Arts and Culture at the North York Moors National Park Authority says:
“Art and culture offer a unique avenue to provoke important conversations around the climate crisis, equal access to the countryside and health and wellbeing.
“We are delighted to welcome Nadia Emam as our creative in residence and can’t wait to see how she chooses to explore and engage with our landscapes, habitats and communities.”
A virtual launch of the Black Nature in Residence Programme with the five creatives involved will take place on Wednesday 6 December, 7-8.30pm.
Further details and free tickets can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/3pfncuzx