Polish migrant mothers living in Plymouth are being invited to take part in a new creative residency exploring the deep connections between sea, migration and motherhood.
Through My Eyes is a contemplative immersive audio experience led by Cornish-based artists and mothers Agnieszka Blonska & Tori Cannell. Commissioned by Plymouth Culture as part of Sea for Yourself.
The project will be shaped by the stories, memories and voices of first-generation Polish migrant mothers from Plymouth. Through conversations and guided participatory workshops, participants will explore personal journeys, memory and belonging, working alongside the artists to co-create a sound experience that will later be shared with the wider public.
The final work will invite audiences to listen deeply to layered personal testimonies, reflecting on crossings, arrivals, loss, motherhood and the idea of home, in relationship with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
Agnieszka has worked in Britain, Poland and across Europe for the last twenty years both as an independent artist and in collaboration with theatre companies and venues such as Wildworks, Powszechny Theatre, Theatre Institute in Warsaw, Desperate Men, DotComedy, Mercurial Wrestler, National Theatre Studio, Soho Theatre, Circomedia, Hall For Cornwall and Theatre Bristol. As a Polish migrant herself, Agnieszka’s work explores subjects of identity, social change and personal stories in relation to society. Using a variety of forms including participatory and performative theatre.
Tori is a theatre-maker, writer and community engagement practitioner. A qualified youth and community worker and trauma-informed practitioner, she brings a person-centred approach to her creative practice, shaped by listening and collaboration. Her work spans participatory theatre, writing, audio and live events, and is rooted in working alongside communities to create spaces where people feel safe to share their stories. She is currently creative arts lead at Trelya. Alongside this, she works as a freelance director, creative producer and writer with organisations including Wildworks, The Writers’ Block, Hall for Cornwall, The Minack Theatre and Scary Little Girls.
Their work is rooted in a belief in the power of storytelling, creativity and building relationships to nurture and amplify voices.
The artists are now inviting Polish migrant mothers living in Plymouth to get in touch and be involved. No previous creative experience is needed, and the process will be flexible, supportive and shaped around participants’ lives and responsibilities.
Through My Eyes is commissioned and produced by Plymouth Culture for Sea for Yourself in partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (Horizons programme) and Arts Council England (Place Partnership).
Where they go to get in touch:
Find out more about the call out via our website: Email Producer Ellen – ellen@plymouthculture.co.uk to get involved.