The idea
With representatives from Kirklees Syrian community, local refugees and local volunteers of all ages working together, we will create a giant puppet 4 metres tall of a Syrian refugee based on our friend Najma, who is a Syrian woman re-settled in Kirklees. We will create this in Dewsbury and offer sessions in textiles, sculpture, music and performance to create her and bring her to life, finding out about the Syrian experience along the way. She will be the seventh and final 'Weeping Sister' giant puppet created by 6 million + and will be a resource for our commemorative parades for Holocaust Memorial Day and other civic occasions in Kirklees for the next 5 years. We will create a giant puppet parade for Platforma 6, the biennial national festival of refugee associated arts that is taking place in Yorkshire for the first time this October. We will arrange a meeting with Amal, the giant puppet of a Syrian girl who is walking from Syria to Sheffield this year, arriving in the autumn.
What we'll deliver
- Local people and refugees will share experiences, food and craft activities.
- We will make a giant puppet of a Syrian woman refugee who is now living in Kirklees
- We will create a parade of giant puppets for Dewsbury and Batley town centres as part of Platforma 6 Festival.
Why it's a great idea
Increased understanding between refugees and local people.
New friendships made and new skills acquired.
New opportunities for volunteering.
Spectacular town centre parades in Dewsbury and Batley.
Being part of a national showcase for refugee associated arts, raising the profile of arts and culture in North Kirklees.
Steps to get it done
- Completing a giant puppet of a Syrian refugee from Kirklees
- Delivering a parade featuring the puppet in Dewsbury town centre
We would hope this project would also be seen as part of the renewal of Dewsbury Town Centre, while also reaching Batley and other North Kirklees towns. It will provide both opportunities for volunteering and placements for local college students.
