Call for voluntary groups to become multicultural models

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Local voluntary groups are being asked to get involved in a special fashion show next month – by supplying the models for the event.

Organisations that represent a particular country, race or religion are being encouraged to nominate three of their members to appear in traditional dress at Hammersmith Town Hall on October 20 and 26, as part of a celebration of cultural diversity to coincide with Black History Month.

Voluntary organisations are being sought to represent at least the following countries, sub-continents, races and religions: England, Ireland, Poland, Croatia, Portugal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Eritrea, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Latin America, North Africa, South Africa, Caribbean, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindi. Each group is being asked to find three people to take part: one man, one woman and one child, dressed in traditional or typical clothing. Each group is also being asked to supply ten facts about the culture’s people, religion, language, dress, festival traditions, cultural icons, food, education and history.

The event, which is being organised by the borough regeneration agency, Regenasis, and the council’s Housing Services department, will feature collections of traditional and typical clothes from 20 countries across the globe. The groups that volunteer models for the show will also be requested to provide information on their native culture, which will be read out while their members are on stage. A selection of international, multi-ethnic food will be available for guests and participants to sample once the show is over.

Says Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Hammersmith & Fulham’s Assistant Director of Regeneration & Housing Strategy: “Fashion is such a major part of modern popular culture that it seems an ideal way to explore the wonderful variety that exists between people of different nations and faiths. For those voluntary organisations that take part, the event should be a great way to showcase elements of the country, culture and religion that they represent. We also intend to mark the occasion by launching our BME Housing Strategy for the borough, so I really hope that as many groups as possible will get involved in what should be a very enjoyable and informative event.”

Voluntary organisations who would like to find out more about taking part in the fashion show should contact Cheryl Sinclair-Day at Regenasis on 020 8735 4170.

September 11, 2005