Portraits of Brent: SWANA community workshops and exhibition. Upcoming application deadline + project overview

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Portraits of Brent – Call for Participants – Upcoming Deadline November 15th

Are you aged 16–30, from a Southwest Asian or North African (SWANA) background, and living , working, volunteering or have strong connections to Brent?

We’re inviting young people to take part in Portraits of Brent — a free creative project led by Brent Museum and Archives, exploring identity, heritage, and belonging through art and storytelling.

We are approaching the deadline for applications and we want to encourage even more applicants to apply, to ensure that Portraits of Brent truly reflect the rich diversity and stories of Brent’s communities.

🎨 What is Portraits of Brent?

Portraits of Brent is a celebration of the lived experiences of young people from SWANA backgrounds in Brent. Through a series of creative workshops and portrait sittings, your voice and story will be at the heart of a public exhibition at The Library at Willesden Green.

👥 What will participants do?

As a participant, you will:

  • Take part in creative workshops exploring identity, culture, and personal storytelling
  • Create a personal portfolio that may include writing, photography, art and meaningful objects
  • Have your portrait painted by a professional artist
  • Be featured in a public exhibition at Brent Museum and Archives in early 2026

Workshops will take place during December 2025 and January 2026, with the exhibition opening in February 2026.

✅ Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

  • Are aged 16–30
  • Are from a SWANA background (e.g. Arab, Kurdish, Amazigh, Persian, Turkish — or any other Southwest Asian or North African heritage)
  • Live, volunteer, work or have strong connections to the London Borough of Brent
  • Are open to exploring your identity in a creative, supportive space

No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to share your story and take part.

🖼️ What happens to the work after the project?

The painted portraits and participant portfolios will become part of Brent Museum and Archives’ permanent collection, preserving the stories and contributions of SWANA communities in Brent for future generations.

Participants will also have the option to donate personal objects shared during the workshops. These may be included in the exhibition and, if donated, preserved as part of the borough’s collection. Contributions may also feature in future exhibitions, digital content, or research projects.

📩 How to apply

To apply, complete the short application form below and email it to:
📧 museum.archives@brent.gov.uk

Printed forms are also available at:
📍 The Library at Willesden Green Archive Search Room
Willesden Library Centre, 95 High Road, London NW10 2SF (2nd Floor)

🔗 Apply Now – Portraits of Brent

Portraits of Brent Application FormDownload

If you have any questions or need help applying, please get in touch:
📧 museum.archives@brent.gov.uk

Deadline – November 15th 2025

This project was made possible by an Arts Council England funded, Museum Development London grant.

Category : Brent Archives, Brent Museum, Collections, Exhibitions, Projects
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