Migrant mothers have shared the challenges and possibilities that come with becoming a parent in a new country.
Spaces of Belonging is led by Dr Dana Lungu, a lecturer at Cardiff University's School of Modern Languages. The team worked with mothers in Bristol, before co-producing immersive 3D scenes of spaces which represent belonging. These can be accessed via a series of QR codes.
The work has contributed to the UK's first regional cultural plan created by a Citizens Assembly . Some 100 organisations and stakeholders from across the West of England have committed to the plan, which aims to make culture and creativity part of everyday life for all of its citizens.
Dr Lungu said: "As a migrant mother myself, I know that the feeling of not being fully immersed in the culture of the host country while having left behind your homeland becomes more acute when one has children and where you must navigate this in-betweenness as a mother or caregiver. I therefore wanted this project to highlight and visualise our experiences, showing the places in Bristol that feel like home to us."
Maria, an artist from Sudan who took part in the project, said: "Taking part in this research project has encouraged me to reflect more deeply on the idea of belonging. I have realised I have always searched for it since I was a child. For me, belonging means feeling safe in a space and experiencing acceptance from others. I often find connection through shared language, experiences or passions with the people I meet."
Elifnaz has been living in Bristol for four years with her husband and son. She said: "The project taught me how belonging is rooted in small, everyday experiences, from family routines to encounters in ordinary public spaces. I realised how these moments build continuity and connection in new environments. Being able to visualise and record these moments means the project will be a special memory for us, especially for my son."
Dr Lungu added: "It was interesting hearing mothers speak about the spaces that make them feel connected and more at home. They ranged from geographical locations around the city, to seemingly mundane places around their houses that remind them of home."
Finding spaces of belonging in the host country is essential for migrant mothers as they try to build a life for themselves and for their children. Providing such spaces ensures the strength, the cohesion and the wellbeing of our communities.
Co-lead on the project Dr Harry Wilson, based at the University of Bristol, has been exploring the possibility of communicating research through 3-D scanning technologies. He said: "Immersive Technologies have huge potential for documenting experiences of place and belonging, as well as the emotional relations that connect us to the places we inhabit. It has been wonderful to collaborate with Dana, Maria and Elifnaz on this project to explore their own perspectives on belonging in relation to their everyday experiences of living in Bristol. We hope these Augmented Reality scenes capture and communicate something of that experience."
