Tahir Shah - Project Goldthorpe: A Place Called Home
Project Goldthorpe: A Place Called Home was a series of recorded interviews carried out by Tahir Shah in Goldthorpe as part of his ENGAGE / CREATE mentorship.
As a film maker, Tahir learnt a lot about his own methods and the kind of assumptions he carries into his work. This commission has given Tahir a sense of how to lead a community based arts project instead of being part of the delivery team / attached to a producer or organisation.
"I think from the people I interviewed it's given them a renewed sense of belonging, it's made them a bit more reflective on their community and the people who live around them, in a small way it's generated community pride."
- Tahir Shah
About Tahir Shah
Tahir’s work as a writer and director has always centred around creating platforms for stories that challenge the status quo. He has worked extensively with communities that face various forms of marginalisation, including racial, economic, and social exclusion.
Tahir said: “My approach is rooted in the belief that storytelling, particularly through the lens of those who have lived through adversity, is a powerful catalyst for change. It’s about more than just representation; it’s about creating a dialogue that encourages empathy, understanding, and action. I am so happy to be one of six artists selected as part of this commission. Communities within Barnsley will have the opportunity to creatively share what matters to them most. As an artist, I believe that creativity should not exist in isolation but rather in collaboration with the communities it seeks to represent and inspire. My work is driven by the desire to use storytelling as a vehicle for social change, particularly in amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalised or overlooked.”
Tahir was mentored by theatre maker and creative facilitator Natalie Bellingham.