Romani communities: between belonging and antigypsyism

A photographic exhibition and hybrid panel discussion.

At the panel discusion, panelists will share their experiences in organising against racism and antigypsyism, expose challenges they bring to the feeling of belonging, and point to organising strategies that can counter exclusion and unbelonging. 

The event will be accompanied by an exhibition of photos from Pušča - a Roma village in Slovenia - and a video showcasing experiences of antigypsyism in school. 

The January 2024 Eurobarometer poll noted that Roma are the most discriminated group in Europe, with 65% of them experiencing discrimination in everyday lives. This is a staggering data which demonstrates the extent of antigypyism in the European society.

Roma inhabit a very specific positionality within the European space. Media stories, political campaigns as well as specific policies aiming to address inclusion and integration make Romani communities extremely visible and exposed to abuse, discrimination and violence. Antigypsyist attitudes further pose barriers to effective inclusion into economic and labour markets, and equal participation in civil society.

Endemic exclusion from socio-economic life poses challenges to the notion of belonging. This event brings together activist, academics and representatives from Roma communities to discuss how, in the face of antigypsyism, individuals from Roma communities build and maintain a sense of belonging; and how belonging might work as a strategy of resistance and resilience in the face of dissemination and abuse.

This event is part of a wider exhibition on the themes of community and belonging, including:

• Brave Spaces: Visualising Support for Women Experiencing Domestic Abuse in Faith Communities
• Konger FC: A photographic exhibition of football, Hong Kong identity and community in Manchester
• Matka Polka - A photographic exploration into Polish motherhood

Photo credit: Szegedi-Varga, Zsuzsanna (2017). GONE/ReDONE [Still from multimedia video installation, water-soluble paint, digital projection, audience interaction]. MODEM, Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts, Debrecen, Hungary.

Dr Andreja Zevnik, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at The University of Manchester

Adults

Anyone interested in equality, racial and social justice

The exhibition will be open at the following times:

Saturday November 1, 10am to 5.30pm
Monday November 3, 10am to 8pm
Tuesday November 4, 10am to 4pm
Wednesday November 5, 10am to 4pm

Panel discussion: Monday 3rd November, 6-8pm