BCVA recently supported Dutch documentary photographer Rob Hornstra in engaging with Punjabi communities in the Black Country as part of his wider European photography project The Europeans. Hornstra approached BCVA seeking guidance on how to meaningfully recognise the significant presence of Punjabi communities in the region, and we helped facilitate introductions and dialogue with local participants.
The Europeans is a large-scale documentary photography project examining how migration has reshaped Europe and challenging traditional ideas of what it means to be European today. As part of his monograph series documenting communities across the continent, the Black Country was selected as a focus for one of the publications.
In our early conversations with Rob, BCVA raised concerns about the history of photographers being “parachuted” into the region to document communities without meaningful collaboration or long-term engagement. Too often, communities are photographed but have little opportunity to shape the narrative or see tangible benefits from the work produced.
It was therefore encouraging to see Rob adopt a thoughtful and ethical approach to working with local communities. He listened carefully to these concerns and demonstrated a commitment to respectful collaboration and representation.
Recognising the importance of accessibility and community inclusion, BCVA also encouraged the translation of the publication into Punjabi. In response, Rob arranged for the Punjabi translation and ensured copies of the book were distributed within local communities, helping participants understand how their stories and experiences contribute to the wider narrative of the project.
This collaboration reflects BCVA’s ongoing commitment to ethical cultural practice and to ensuring that communities are not only represented in cultural work but are able to recognise themselves within it.