Migrant children and native Jèrriais speakers have joined forces to create new names for Jersey’s seaweeds as part of a project celebrating language, migration and belonging.
The initiative is part of ArtHouse Jersey’s new “Abundant Futures” project, a new art series which will involve several events examining how food, land and migration intersect in daily life and how creative work can strengthen connections across communities.
ArtHouse described the gatherings as “inclusive”, and said it would particularly “welcome community members with lived experience of migration” and “local residents curious about Jersey’s histories and evolving cultural landscape”, as well as artists, educators and policymakers.
“We’re inviting people not just to here, but to join – to connect their stories, their practices, and the land itself into a shared conversation about belonging,” said Dana Olǎrescu, lead artist for Abundant Futures.
What’s on?
The series opens on Sunday 2 November with “What does it mean to be local?”, a discussion with Dr Mariana Pereira, from the University of York, who will share research on how migrants are welcomed in Jersey and whether migrant-led social change can be scaled.
The free event runs from 16:00 to 17:30 at the former Magistrate’s Court on Seale Street in St Helier.
On Tuesday 4 November, artist Kaajal Modi will present “Native Tongues” at the Société Jersiaise on 7 Pier Road – a collaboration with migrant children and native Jèrriais speakers that has created new Jèrriais names for local seaweeds.
The launch, from 15:30 to 17:30, includes readings, a discussion and an open session of the Académie du Jèrriais – a panel of linguists, educators and native speakers.
The final event, “Roots and Remedies – Reimagining Borders”, will be held at the charity’s Grève de Lecq Barracks base on Wednesday 5 November from 18:00 to 20:00.
Led by Róisín Shaw with Siobhan Fogarty, it will guide participants in making herbal balms from local plants while reflecting on care, ecology and connection.
Bookings for all events are available via Eventbrite.