We are very happy to welcome three students from SOAS University for their placements with Counterpoints Arts.
Shivangi Chandrasekhar, Natalia Galgos and Lara Bligh-Caplan are currently completing the MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies programme at SOAS university, led by Dr. Ruba Salih. We are delighted to continue this partnership with SOAS for the third year, and extend our thanks to Charlotte Sanders, co-convenor of the course, for facilitation of this year’s programme.
Shiv has been exploring the intersection between art, culture and migration, and how the former can be used as a vehicle to convey the lived experiences of those who identify as migrants. She is also trained in Fine Art, specialising in drawing, painting and printmaking, and seeks opportunities to use these skills as an effective research tool. Shiv is excited to be working for an organisation which sees art as a powerful instrument for change.
Lara has been passionate about arts-based community engagement work since setting up and raising funds for music and dance workshops in Calais in 2019. These workshops aimed to provide adults and children living in difficult conditions with the opportunity for respite in a safe environment. The inclusivity and accessibility of these workshops were important in allowing participants to have the freedom to play music and dance however they wished. Lara is hoping to build on her established background in dance, by becoming involved in Counterpoints Arts’ community engagement projects which explore person-centred participatory approaches and promotion of well-being through holistic and creative methods.
Natalia has worked for the last four years for several international organisations in the refugee sector, focusing on protection issues and developing her skills in crisis management and as an interviewer. Concurrent to her professional experiences, she has engaged with different art practices over the years, including wall and furniture painting and ceramics, which has helped evolve her own art practice as well as her own understanding of her personal experience as a migrant. Natalia is eager to add further to her work experience by exploring community-led/engaged projects at Counterpoints Arts in more depth.
Each student brings with them their own unique perspectives and ideas, alongside their work experience in the field of migration and displacement. We look forward to supporting them and seeing how their involvement in various Counterpoints Arts projects will complement their studies.
