One of the major reasons for building the archive was to ensure that the stories and images of the first generation of Punjabi migrants to the Black Country could be recognised, celebrated, and shared with younger generations. Their tenacity, courage, and hard work in building new lives in the region deserve to be honoured and remembered.
To help us achieve this, we have commissioned artists to develop an early years colouring book inspired by images from the Apna Heritage Archive. The aim is to create an accessible and engaging resource that introduces young children to Punjabi migration history through art, storytelling, and visual culture.
We are delighted to be working with the brilliant artist Suman Johal of ArtSikh, whose work is already bringing this idea to life with great care and creativity. As the examples show, she is applying her skills beautifully to the project.
The colouring book will become a valuable educational tool, which we are currently piloting with first-generation Punjabis who arrived in the 1960s, as well as with parents and early years Punjabi children, in order to gather feedback.
Our aim is to distribute the book strategically across the Black Country in support of our wider creative and heritage goals, helping the archive remain a living resource within the community.
A couple of examples from the Apna Heritage Archive for a new educational colouring book for early years group about Punjabi Migration to the Black Country. ©Suman Johal and Black Country Visual arts. Made possible by Arts Council England