browseBelmont Group Day Out
Graciela Iturbide (Photographer)
Original Side Gallery exhibition text, 1989:
When Graciela Iturbide’s exhibition Juchitan was first shown at Side Gallery in 1988, we were keen that the Mexican photographer had the opportunity to visit the region. When she finally arrived, she was equally keen to work on a photographic project during her stay. This exhibition is the result.
The Belmont Group is based in Walker, East Newcastle. Run from Belmont Methodist Church, the women shared a mini-bus with a similar group of Asian mums and toddlers from Heaton on an outing to South Shields. The day brought together two communities, and two cultures, who rarely get the opportunity to meet. The day away from Walker was itself a rare experience for the mums.
The two groups followed up the day out with a series of exchange visits between Heaton and Belmont. Set up in 1986 with the help of community workers from the nearby Walker Health Project, the Belmont Group continues to thrive to this day.