Women share their experiences

Hebden Bridge based creative arts company verd de gris have launched the booklet #behindthemask at King Cross Library in Halifax.
Holly Lynch MP at the launch of the Behind The Mask bookletHolly Lynch MP at the launch of the Behind The Mask booklet
Holly Lynch MP at the launch of the Behind The Mask booklet

The event was attended by Holly Lynch MP, Angela Everson, CEO of WomenCentre, and Christine Harris, deputy lieutenant of Calderdale and vice president of the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Behind The Mask is a creative project which has seen verd de gris’ Sharon Marsden work with a group of women from across Calderdale.

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The women contributed at seminars and conferences and had an exhibition of their original artwork, writing and photography.

The launch of the Behind The Mask bookletThe launch of the Behind The Mask booklet
The launch of the Behind The Mask booklet

They have created a book of images and poetry to reach as many women as possible.

The book of poems is available in various Calderdale coffee bars and children’s centres and all of Calderdale’s libraries.

It has been designed as 22 individual postcards that can either be kept together and enjoyed as a whole, or sent out as messages to a friend or someone dear.

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“I feel strongly that part of the power of this project is the mix of women, mix of ages and, most profoundly, Muslim women coming together with other local women to share life experiences,” said Sharon.

The launch of the Behind The Mask bookletThe launch of the Behind The Mask booklet
The launch of the Behind The Mask booklet

“In these turbulent times, to be amongst a group like this was so reassuring, so healing,” said Christine Harris.

“Women can be a powerful force - whilst we all chase ourselves ragged for everyone else, when we get together we’re a force to be reckoned with.”

An arts project organised with the help of verd de gris to help the local Roma community find their voice culminated at Square Chapel in Halifax recently.

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Over the past six months, verd de gris has been meeting with members of the Roma community in Calderdale to learn more about their customs and traditions.

Roma students from Sowerby Bridge High School and children from Burnley Road Academy were joined by choreographer Natalie Speake and folk musician Amy Rose Atkinson.