The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is an ambitious project, co-created by Worcester’s local community, Worcester Mela and a professional artistic team, that celebrates the city’s industrial history, with a specific lens highlighting the stories of South Asian and migrant settlers. Through the work we are bringing to life the various stories and people that helped shape Worcester into what it is today.

Collaborations with Worcester MELA

Performing Cricket Green at the Worcester MELA

Performing Tea Leaves at the Museum of Royal Worcester

Exploring the history of Worcester

Stirring the pot, stirring the memories

One of the approaches we took when engaging with the people of Worcester was the concept of ‘stirring’ your memories. When you recall an event, you might be misremembering without realising. So to combat this, we wanted to slowly warm up the senses.

When you worked at Lea & Perrins, what could you smell?

In the MetalBox Factory, what could you hear?

A rich and vibrant community

Across numerous community events, BSDC has had the chance to interact with the people of Worcester and hear their stories about its long and detailed history. From people who drove forklift trucks through to someone who illustrated for Royal Worcester Porcelain. Along with hearing their stories, we’ve also had the pleasure of giving various performances at these events.

Community Event, November 2023

Community Event, March 2024

Dancers

Devika Rao
Hitha Sasidharan
Jaymini Sahai
John Ball
Kade Ferraiolo

Kali Chandrasegaram
Mansi Dabral
Suhani Rao

Musicians

Aniruddha Mukherjee
Kartik Raghunathan

Visual Artists

Louise Grassby

Storyteller

Jane Morland

Photographers

Balbir Singh
Devika Rao
Gavin Joynt
Jabba Riaz
Karol Wysyznski
Malcolm Johnson
Tim Smith