Many European cities now reflect a mosaic of various cultures as a result of decades of persistent migration. Developing migrants’ integration in order to foster societal cohesion has therefore been one of the EU's biggest challenges. To this end, EU supports, especially creative ways to foster integration of migrants.
Theatre and food culture are among these creative means of integration. The combination of these two means becomes a powerful and effective approach to promoting social cohesion, understanding, and cross-cultural exchange in the integration of migrants. Culinary Project aimed to benefit from these two tools which are deeply rooted in human experiences and have the potential to bridge gaps between different communities.
Culinary: Ode to Diversity Project used theatrical activities to improve storytelling, empathy, language and communication skills, cultural interchange, self-confidence and empowerment, and body language.
Culinary provided a platform for its participants to share their migration stories and experiences, allowing to the host community to better understand migrants’ challenges, aspirations and also contributions, strengthening a sense of community. One of the audiences in Forlimpopoli stated after the final performance of the Culinary Project that he felt by heart how it is difficult to move to another country for migrants, especially if they were forced to do. Culinary also created a strong base for migrant actors and actresses to feel included and sense-of-belonging. One of the Culinary actresses who is a new comer to the host country said that she felt for the first time that her entire narrative was being told, without holding back on saying anything that might be misunderstood because theatre also allows for different ways to use body language which strengthened her expression.
Another effective instrument for the Culinary Project is food culture, which serves as a universal language that cuts across ethnic boundaries.
Food fosters ties and partnerships by bringing people together. While preserving a connection to their home country and concurrently assimilating into their new community, culinary participants shared their migration experiences through their local food culture. Showcasing foods from other cultures creates opportunities for connection and bonding while promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.
Culinary Project captivated both actors and the audience by combining the theatrical and culinary arts to create a multi-sensory experience that featured cooking and dining traditions from several nations.
In conclusion, integration of migrants through theatre and culinary traditions taps into our fundamental human need for connection, creativity, and shared experiences. Communities may dismantle obstacles, advance understanding, and develop a more inclusive and peaceful society by establishing spaces for collaboration, discussion, and celebration.
By Handan Sayer
Project Manager and Co-Founder
European Migrant Platform, EMP
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