Poetry / Muneera Pilgrim
Muneera Pilgrim and In Between Time present ‘The Joy Project’
Working with Bristol live art charity In Between Time over the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, the acclaimed poet, writer, broadcaster and mental health activist Muneera Pilgrim met with women linked to Bristol to create “an online community and a place to explore joy and hope”.
Called The Joy Project, the initiative’s overriding aim was to foster connections from what was, for so many, a time characterised by isolation and mental health challenges; to cultivate community from a group of individuals, and to build a sense of care and hope through continued interactions with one another.
The group harnessed the tools of conversation, poetry and performance to consider and interrogate their ideas on the presence – and absence – of joy.
is needed now More than ever
Muneera Pilgrim, Joy Project poster – photo: In Between Time
The results of the project were profound, and the women involved felt a deep sense of belonging and positivity that stayed with them far beyond the workshops.
Pilgrim too, was deeply affected by this work, and its continued evolution. “The Joy Project would not exist if it were not for the women who took part in the various workshops,” she reflects.
“They came, shared their experiences, they created a loving, held space where we could feel safe and brave enough to express, and essentially they were co-collaborators and producers of poetry and knowledge in this project.
“The fact that these women took time out of their lives to go on this journey is a great honour and by far the thing that bought me the most joy.”
Muneera Pilgrim film still from The Joy Project – photo: Sam Irving
Speaking at a time when we are emerging from a period of prolonged isolation, Pilgrim is clear about what she personally has learned about the value of connection, through this ongoing artistic engagement:
“I can say I have learnt that whether it is a connection with myself, the planet, the creator, the cosmos, each other, or different causes, it is so valuable to my humanity, and I am blessed to have multiple ways to connect. Connection is something I will try to cultivate and not take for granted.”
Building on the momentum of The Joy Project, Pilgrim was inspired to create a poem of the same name, fragments of which will be shared across specially chosen sites in St Pauls, Easton and the harbourside in March 2022, for four weeks.
The intention is to create “a trail of joy” around Bristol, for people to follow. At each of the sites, visitors will be able to scan a QR code that links to an ‘audio artwork’ of Pilgrim performing the poem, perhaps connecting to their own iterations of hope, as they travel.
Muneera Pilgrim, Joy Project poem poster – photo: In Between Time
More information about The Joy Project is available at www.inbetweentime.co.uk and the trail map is accessible here.
Main photo: Sam Irving
Read more: Muneera Pilgrim publishes debut poetry collection
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