One of my volunteer organisations, Migrant Resource Centre North, one of several devoted to the integration and enablement of recently arrived migrants from non English speaking, sometimes third world countries is running a combined art project, something I have had the honour or recording with both stills and video.

Understanding that health issues are often shrouded in fear and mystery to many, the organisation uses group based events like this as a way of easing into these conversations.

Two groups, one mostly Nepalese and Bhutanese, the other predominantly Eritrean are creating art using simple techniques from their home lands, which will be combined with local artists work into a final presentation.

The workshops are as uplifting as they are varied. I have been recording some background sound and each has been an exercise in contrast, but with a common thread of community and connection.

The images submitted are colour, these mono one are for me really.

Somehow, I feel mono imaging is a great equaliser.

When all is reduced to tones, these tones become harmonious and effectively equal. Skin colour, cultural and ethnic cues become just tones, equal to each other and beautiful.

Another element I have come to understand is, don’t eat before you go. Food is an integral part of sharing of labour and communal gatherings and it is all good.