New project explores Aberdeen’s cultural diversity

19 July 2018

Throughout this summer Aberdeen City Libraries in partnership with the Ethnic Minority Forum (EMF) will be exploring the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that makes up our city.

The project will explore the reality of everyday cultural interactions; examining the positives and the challenges within what is possibly Scotland’s most culturally diverse city.

The project team is keen to seek the views of citizens to gauge how much Aberdeen embraces multiculturalism. This will form the basis of a special discussion event taking place at the Town House on Tuesday 24 July at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome at this event but booking is essential.

The views and experiences expressed and gathered will be showcased in a virtual and physical exhibition. The exhibition will travel around the community libraries and be made available virtually on social media and Aberdeen City Libraries webpages.

The exhibition will be launched on Monday 20 August at a special author event ‘From the tropics to the thistle land; a Malaysian writer in Scotland’ at Central Library with Malaysian born writer Chiew-Siah Tei,

Coming from an intrinsically multicultural society Chiew-Siah will share her experiences of living in Scotland as a foreigner. Drawing on her observations over the course of fifteen years, Chiew-Siah will discuss changes in Scottish society from the perspective of cultural diversity.

Councillor John Wheeler, Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “This project is a fantastic participation opportunity for the people of Aberdeen. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming city that people from all over the world want to come and live in and this is a great way of reflecting on what life is like in our diverse communities.”

Chair of the EMF, Liz Howarth, said of the whole project: “The Ethnic Minority Forum (EMF) is really excited to be involved in this piece of work. We are a multicultural forum that celebrates the contribution that the diverse communities make to the city of Aberdeen, so this event really cuts to the heart of what the EMF is all about.”

For more information email libraryevents@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call 01224 652500.