Ordinary People Extraordinary Lives

'Ordinary People Extraordinary Lives' is a graphic treatise on special people in the North-East of England. The project recorded the lives of seven individuals, seven 'Angels of the North', using a collaboration of music, film and photography. This project is a tribute that succinctly details what these people do in their ordinary everyday lives, what extraordinary action or deed they have done and how that has positively changed an individual or a community's way of thinking.

GemArts commissioned a collaboration between writer/producer Reuben Abraham and photographer Zoe Korda. Over the span of a year both artists had extensive contact with the individuals, their families, friends and the people they have helped. During this time the participants were digitally photographed, and their thoughts were recorded over a series of interviews.

"They are very private people who were all camera shy and needed to be persuaded to be in this project."
Quote from Zoe Korda, Photographer

"The most intriguing aspect of these angels is that even though they hail from the North-East, they could be of multi racial background and multi cultural origin, and what they've done makes the rest of the world think: the people of the North-East are a tough, determined lot and special." Quote from Reuben Abraham, Director

The finished piece is an original and engaging example of new media art. Now collated and composed onto a multi-media DVD; Ordinary People Extraordinary Lives will be shown in galleries and public places across the North East. For details please Contact Us

The project intends to create awareness amongst the public about the achievements of eight local individuals. It aims to celebrate their unique lives at the same time as inspiring others to take charge and become advocates for change in their own communities.

Read about the angels:

Paul Lund Larson and friends
Paul along with some friends set up Benwell Nature Park, a verdant oasis in the west end of Newcastle. The park was carved out of a derelict site and gives city children an introduction to wildlife and the countryside. The park has been the recipient of several Britain in Bloom awards. When Paul himself was asked if he would accept an award (an OBE) for his voluntary activities he replied saying that he simply had no time for such pleasant titles.

Sumati Bala
Sumati started her life in India and is now based in South Shields. Having immigrated herself; issues that affect Ethnic minorities quickly catch her attention. Sumati works tirelessly for the development, acceptance, inclusion and assimilation of ethnic minority groups into the mainstream.

George Craig
Set up a drug rehabilitation centre after his daughter became addicted to drugs. The clinic got off to a shakey start receiving much opposition from locals. The centre was initially supported by a group of local nuns and has since grown substantially. Based in Doxford Park Sunderland, Craig?s centre is considered to be one of the best run in England.

Maria Chimpoli
Maria was a researcher in pathology at Newcastle University and also worked as a Portuguese translator with Northumbria Police in cases involving African immigrants. In a response to the ever increasing numbers of cases involving women and abuse, Maria set up the Centre for Portuguese-speaking women. The centre is a beacon for African women in Newcastle, dealing with all kinds of issues ranging from family planning to further education.

Arthur Novak
Arthur spends time with young people at Wallsend Medical Clinic. Visiting them at their homes, talking through their problems, and encouraging them to meet new people all contribute to the changes he makes in their lives. Arthur acquired an allotment patch where he takes the group giving them a sense of community and belonging outside of the clinic.

Sheila Davidson
Sheila is a co-founder of the Bridge Project, a women?s education and training programme, so called because it provides a bridge for the emancipation of women in the Washington area. Bridge builds the confidence and the self esteem of the women it works with by encouraging self development through education and skills opportunities at the same time as providing free childcare.

Veron Munda
Originally a newspaper editor in Angola, Veron was involved in investigations into alleged government corruption. At the end of a 27 year long civil war Veron found himself threatened with death. He fled Angola leaving behind his family to seek asylum in England. Veron set up the Great Lakes African Association which provides support to new African immigrants. He has also set up a newspaper for French speaking Africans.

Fazelith Iqbal
Fazelith set up the Angelou Centre for Women in west end of Newcastle. Originally from Pakistan; Fazelith has experienced male dominated society first hand. The centre aims to provide education opportunities for women who may be without any qulaifications or skills. It provides childcare giving them time to study and the opportunity to meet other women from their community. The centre provides a strong support network for women in the west end.

Funding for the project was sought from the Regional Arts Lottery Programme.

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