Academics host exhibition on challenging stereotypes of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller people

A new exhibition which challenges stereotypes of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities will take place in Portsmouth this month.

The exhibition is part of a British Academy funded project looking at how to challenge common stereotypes and is led by Dr Annabel Tremlett with co-investigator John Oates (Open University) and research associate Dr Sanna Nissinen (University of Portsmouth).

For this exhibition, the researchers have gathered together examples of anti-racism campaigns and projects from Roma-led charities and artists in the UK and beyond, alongside examples from their own research documenting the everyday lives of Roma people. It’s a unique experience to see all these campaigns and projects together, giving real insights into how Roma, Traveller and Gypsy people themselves confront racism and connect with audiences.

The opening event will include talks from the photographer Tom Roche about his photography on his Romani heritage, and from the campaign and activist group The Traveller Movement who have been instrumental in challenging public misrepresentations of Roma, Gypsy & Traveller people, such as those from Big Fat Gypsy Weddings (Channel 4).

The opening event is free entry, there is no need to book, and takes place from Thursday 22 Nov 2018 – Friday 21 Dec 2018 at Portsmouth Guildhall.

This exhibition is part of a quest for images that respect and celebrate people’s humanity, individuality and agency. Images that work against damaging stereotypes. Images with the power to change attitudes. You are invited to join this quest and share your reactions to a diverse range of pictures, by photographers inside and alongside Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities.

For more information, visit: http://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/exhibition-challenging-stereotypes-of-roma-gypsy-traveller-people