Blog

I’m Arpita Shah and I’m a visual artist who works with photography, film and sound. I am based in Eastbourne and my work explores the intersections of culture, identity and heritage. As part of my practice, I collaborate with individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and make work that explores the notions of home, belonging, migration and memory. This interest stems from my own experiences of being a South Asian woman and growing up and living across India, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, England and Scotland.

Last December, I was invited to Towner Eastbourne to speak at an event programmed in association with Brewers Towner International, which was themed around spaces and ideas of sanctuary. We talked about the incredible and important work Sanctuary Café and Refugee Radio have been doing, which was wonderful to learn more about. There were many really interesting conversations and questions from the audience, and everyone collectively felt that it would be great to arrange more events like this.  

As part of Devonshire Collective’s Common Ground Programme, I’m currently collaborating with a group of young refugee and migrant men from the Sanctuary Café, through a series of photography workshops. The men have been learning new photography skills and making their own images that explore their dreams, memories, the meaning of home and their cultural identities. We’ll be exhibiting the work we’ve been making together at VOLT in spring 2023.

A partnership commission by Devonshire Collective and Photoworks, supported by Arts Council England.