Fragments Of Belonging: Whitehaven Reimagined
A community-rooted art and film project by Anne Blankson-Hemans
About the project
What does it mean to belong to a place, especially when your story is shaped by more than one landscape?
Fragments of Belonging: Whitehaven Reimagined explores the question through live painting, documentary filmmaking, and community storytelling. Set in the historic harbour town of Whitehaven, the project reimagines the town's past and present through the lens of artist Anne Blankson-Hemans, whose Ghanaian roots and UK life come together in vibrant, expressive colour.
Through plein air painting, public engagement, and filmed interviews, the project connects Whitehaven's Georgian architecture and harbour history - including it's links to transatlantic trade - with Anne's memories of Cape Coast and Elmina, two coastal towns in Ghana with harbours of their own.
Fragments of Belonging: Whitehaven Reimagined explores the question through live painting, documentary filmmaking, and community storytelling. Set in the historic harbour town of Whitehaven, the project reimagines the town's past and present through the lens of artist Anne Blankson-Hemans, whose Ghanaian roots and UK life come together in vibrant, expressive colour.
Through plein air painting, public engagement, and filmed interviews, the project connects Whitehaven's Georgian architecture and harbour history - including it's links to transatlantic trade - with Anne's memories of Cape Coast and Elmina, two coastal towns in Ghana with harbours of their own.
See the Process
Anne is painting on site at key locations around Whitehaven throughout the summer (2025). Watch the process unfold as each painting captures both what is seen and what is remembered. Catch her in action at Harbour Fest on 30th August - or follow along on social media for updates.
Be Part of the Story
People often stop to share memories or local history while Anne paints outdoors. These conversations form a vital part of the project and may feature in a short documentary film. If you'd like to contribute a memory, reflection, or simply find out more, stop by during one of the live painting sessions - or send a message through the contact form.
Follow the Journey
A short documentary film will be released later this year. To be notified when it's ready to be premiered join my mailing list (on my home page) and follow me on social media... I will also be blogging about it.