Born England, Lives England

Benaiah Matheson presents Town Island, an exhibition at The National Museum of Grenada that unites Carriacou and Grenada with Huddersfield, intertwining the narratives of two distant yet intimately connected communities. 

During the 1950s, Britain’s call to its commonwealth nations brought diaspora communities to its shore, with a significant community of Carriacou people settling in the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield.

Bridging cultures across borders and generations and inspired by migration and belonging, the exhibition is the culmination of a series of workshops Matheson is hosting in Grenada. 

Through these workshops, local communities in Carriacou and the diaspora in Huddersfield paint over 120 flags, the participants’ gestures and movements weave their way into the flags with stories, hopes, and dreams. 

Matheson, in collaboration with diverse community groups and educational institutions, explores the intersection of heritage, identity and shared experiences, highlighting the rich vibrancy of multiculturalism and the international reach of artistic voices.

The artworks presented will be a series of 120 flags, painted in several workshops, by the diaspora and indigenous communities of Huddersfield and Carriacou; their gestures and movements weave their way into the flags with stories, hopes, and dreams.

Matheson, in collaboration with diverse community groups and educational institutions, explores the intersection of heritage, identity and shared experiences; highlighting the rich vibrancy of multiculturalism and the international reach of artistic voices.

The Tetley will work with Benaiah in Grenada on a residency at Art House 473 supported by the Arts Council of Grenada. During this time, Matheson will work with students in creative workshops at T.A. Marryshow Community College, culminating in an exhibition in The National Museum of Grenada.

This project is supported by The Tetley through The British Council’s Biennials Connect programme.