Gem Arts

The group created their banner to show reflections of the past and hope for a better future. A central lotus flower, representing harmony and equality, is framed by 100 handmade flowers celebrating 100 years of the first women to get the right to vote. Within the lotus leaves, the word ‘vote’ is embroidered in the different languages spoken within the group; Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Sri Lankan and English. Symbolising the diverse voices of the Suffragette movement, an image of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, an accredited physician who pioneered the cause of women's rights in Britain, is featured. For the group, the right to vote means ‘Change, Freedom and Respect’.

“The project enabled women from diverse communities, through vibrant discussions and creative engagement, talk about what the vote means to them and what it means to be a woman today in the UK and in the North East. Views, from across the group, came across in the final artwork, showing that as women they all work hard to move beyond old fashioned views and how important it is to have a voice and be heard. The group felt it meant a better future for all women and a chance to make a change.”
Alexandra Marsden Gordon, GemArts Project Manager.

GemArts are a leading dynamic arts development organisation based in the North East. GemArts profile and programme innovative and exciting culturally diverse arts, by creating and developing high-quality concerts, events, festivals, workshops and commissions with regional, national and international artists across all art forms. GemArts believe the arts enrich the lives of individuals and communities through celebrating our shared cultural diversity – raising aspirations, building stronger communities and breaking down barriers.