The Liberty of Southwark community producers

From September to December 2021, we collaborated with a group of Southwark residents on a community-led heritage interpretation programme developed by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), in partnership with Southwark Works, Thames Reach and Transport for London.

While MOLA were busy uncovering a wide variety of objects dating back to the Roman period – including the largest area of Roman mosaic found in London for over 50 years – during excavations at the site set to become The Liberty of Southwark cultural quarter, the Community Producers were interpreting this information and learning new skills to create digital content that responded directly to the live archaeological site. In the process, they uncovered stories and created artwork that spoke to the diverse range of people who lived and worked in this area of London throughout the last two millennia.

Our community producers were (shown clockwise above): Giorgaki Potsi, Rudie Masukume, Michael Hume, Curtis Jago and Brunilda Isaku.

MEET THE PRODUCERS

Giorgaki Potsi

Southwark is a new relationship to me, and I am starting to enjoy it. Southwark is filled with historical buildings and modern architecture. I have never taken part in a project like this before. I could see after every MOLA-led producer session that the project meant more and more to me.

Rudie Masukume

I have been a Southwark resident all my life. Worked in Southwark, went to school in Southwark and gave birth here. It will always be home, even if I move on. There are people from all walks of life in this area, as well as many hidden sites - there is so much to discover. I have not taken part in a project like this before. It allowed me to show my creative side and collaborate with other creatives. It also enabled me to do something I am really passionate about, which is explaining history.

Michael Hume

I have been living in Southwark since February 2021. One thing I value most about the area is discovering something new every day. I have not been involved in a project like this before and it’s great to get creative in a new area of interest. I really enjoyed working with new people on this project.

Curtis Jago

As a resident of 8 years, this was the first place I moved to in this country. It truly is a special place. The thing I value most in the area is the diversity. From struggling artists to insurance brokers, to everyone in between. All races, ages, and cultures - I love it. This was the first time I’ve been involved in a project like this, which offers so much creative freedom. It meant exploration to me and a chance for creative growth.

Brunilda Isaku

I have been living in Southwark for more than 5 years. What I really like about Southwark is that it is a multi-cultural community which tries to support anyone who is in need. One of the things I value most is the view of the city, as well as the very good transport links. I haven’t taken part in a project like this before, but I really liked the sound of it and believe it’s beneficial to explore what’s underneath us. This project meant a lot to me because I am keen to learn new techniques and produce interesting work. Moreover, I wanted to give something back to the community in which I live.