Table Talk

Table Talk was a series of hands-on pottery workshops being run in Armidale in August and Tamworth in September for refugees and migrants who have made their home in the New England North West region.  Workshop coordinator Nicci Parry-Jones, a professional ceramicist, lead the groups through the process of making handmade bowls including the design, building and decorating stages.

Caroline Downer, Executive Director of Arts North West looked forward to the workshops. “Table Talk is the first project of its kind for Arts North West and I look forward to meeting the newest members of our communities,” said Ms Downer.  “Working collaboratively on a creative project is an effective way to connect people with their communities and I have no doubt that Table Talk will do just that.” continued Ms Downer.

Workshop facilitator, Nicci Parry-Jones was equally enthusiastic about the workshops. “I am really looking forward to providing an opportunity for people to get creative; the workshops have been designed to celebrate the arts and crafts of the participants’ cultures.  I am excited to be a part of the project and hope it will lead to new connections for all attendees and future projects of a similar nature.” said Ms Parry-Jones.

Table Talk aimed to engage on an informal level for people whose English language skills are still developing and to encourage conversational English whilst providing hands on fun and creative opportunity. Once the bowls were fired and ready for use, a third event will be held for participants to come back together, socialise and share a meal using their new wares. The Armidale event will be Multicultural Health Week’s Happy Women’s Dinner and Dance in September and the hand-over ceremony will be at the Fiesta La Peel Festival on 14 October. For more information, please contact office@artsnw.com

This project has been funded by the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW.