Priya Ramkissoon – First Luton Matters International Commission!
The Culture Trust is excited to announce Priya Ramkinssoon as the first of two artists commissions as part of the Luton Matters Programme.
Priya will be creating work specifically focusing on Black Culture through the lens of Global Fashion. She will be working alongside a local community champion and communities from across Luton to develop and shape the work before presenting the final output in late 2024. The open call will come out in the next few weeks for the community champion.
Speaking about the commission, Sam Turton, Luton Matters Programme producer said ‘We are delighted to welcome Priya to Luton to work with communities across the town. The work she has presented to us as a team is incredibly exciting and should make a real impact in the coming months.’
The commission is the first of two international commissions on the theme of Global Fashion, funded by the Steel Charitable Trust and delivered by the Culture Trust as part of the wider Luton Matters Programme.
More about Priya…
Priya is a dedicated advocate for marginalized communities and their cultural heritage within the Southern African art and craft sector. In 2012, she pioneered Mauritius' first pop-up and concept store focused on traditional crafts, providing artisans with a platform to showcase their skills, enhance their exposure, and achieve economic empowerment.
Understanding the transformative power of skill development, Priya initiated training programs for marginalized communities. These programs impart technical skills while fostering a deep sense of pride in cultural heritage, significantly improving the livelihoods of numerous artisans and ensuring the preservation of their traditions.
As a board member of several prestigious art institutions in Houston, USA, Priya is a staunch advocate for inclusivity and cultural diversity, working diligently to ensure that underrepresented voices are heard within the creative community. She curates exhibitions and showcases local talent across Southern Africa and collaborates with refugee women in the USA.
Priya is also the visionary founder and Director of Imiloa Collective, a social creative enterprise dedicated to empowering marginalized communities with sustainable opportunities in the creative sector. Through Imiloa Collective, she supports creatives by creating economic opportunities and empowering women entrepreneurs and artists.
Priya's commitment to preserving traditional crafts is at the heart of this initiative. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Priya has earned a distinguished position as a member of the World Craft Council Africa and serves as the principal arts and culture partner for the British Council Mauritius. Her unwavering dedication continues to foster creativity, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment globally.
