Seasons of Migration
Preserving Middle Eastern New Year Traditions in Newham
Posted on 23rd October 2026 by Rosetta Arts
We are thrilled to announce that Rosetta Arts has been awarded £158,454 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch ‘Seasons of Migration: Preserving Middle Eastern New Year Traditions in Newham’.
Made possible by National Lottery players, this landmark two-year initiative will celebrate, safeguard, and document the rich living heritage, traditional crafts, symbolic recipes, and oral histories of Middle Eastern communities across East London.
Why This Project Matters
Newham is home to vibrant Middle Eastern diasporas spanning 16 focus nations. However, due to high population turnover, transient living, and displacement, many of these cherished ancestral customs represent an at-risk heritage. Responding directly to Newham Heritage Service’s research gap analysis, Seasons of Migration addresses an urgent need to capture these living traditions before they are lost.
By focusing on four major celebrations Gregorian, Norooz, Rosh Hashanah, and Islamic New Year the project creates inclusive, welcoming spaces where established communities, new arrivals, and generations come together through a shared language of culture, food, and craft.
The Three Core Pillars
Delivered through multi-generational workshops, listening sessions, and creative activities, the project safeguards living heritage across three main areas:
- Textiles: Collecting, repairing, recreating, and interpreting heirloom garments, festive dress, and traditional textile craft alongside expert partners.
- Foodways: Documenting symbolic festive recipes preserved in the memories of community elders.
- Oral Histories: Recording personal migration stories and identities to build a portable "home" for future generations.
What to Expect:
Over the next two years, Seasons of Migration will bring community heritage to life across Newham and major cultural institutions through:
- V&A East Storehouse Co-Curated Display: A six-month public exhibition featuring community-created artwork displayed alongside historical items from the V&A’s collection.
- Newham Heritage Centre Permanent Collection: Legacy display embedded into the borough’s new permanent collection at the Grade II listed Canning Town Old Library.
- Interactive Heritage Publication: Created in partnership with Custom House Bookshop.
- Community Celebrations & Events: Public engagement during Refugee Weeks 2027 and 2028, Newham Borough of Sanctuary events, a community documentary, and a celebration fashion show.
Our Collaborative Partners
We are proud to collaborate with leading local and national cultural partners to make this vision a reality:
Newham Council’s Heritage Service
What Goes On At Rosetta?
Want to know more about the important work we do here at Rosetta Arts? Head over to our Projects page!
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Rosetta Arts, 1 Hamilton Rd London E15 3AE, UK
Company registration no. 3167185. | Charity no. 1177462
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