Shared Heritage - Shared Future

Shared Future recognised the unprecedented increase in the Spanish speaking population in Edinburgh and the opportunity for integration with the local population. We explored Scottish people’s opinions of Spain and our shared heritage, culture and history. We wanted to use these as a basis to build bridges and develop stronger connections and integration between the two communities. Rather than focus on the often controversial and emotive issues the media portrays – like lack of housing and demands on education — we highlighted the benefits of immigration and diversity

We chose “package holidays” as an example of our shared heritage, as holidays by their very nature are positive. Additionally, the past is often portrayed by people as the “good old days” (whether they were or not). Basing the project on package holidays made for an attractive and engaging proposition.

We created a chronological account of “package holidays” from the 1950s to the present day, using personal accounts – namely from the experiences of Edinburgh residents who went on package holidays. We recorded people’s stories as oral history, collected and digitised their holiday “snaps”, and sourced holiday brochures and marketing from across the decades. We used these accounts and images to create an exhibition celebrating diversity and the links already established between the two communities.