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PROJECT

Moving Pictures: reusing cinemas as places of worship in the diaspora. 2022-24

The Zoroastrian Centre for Europe, London / Aziziye Mosque, London /
Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple, Coventry.


This RIBA-funded project examines the adaptive reuse of cinemas as places of worship in the diaspora. To understand the wider context, the team visited a selection of cinemas that have been reused as mosques, temples and black-majority churches across the UK. In each of the site visits the research explored encounters between heritage bodies, local communities and faith groups, examining intersections of the sacred and secular, assimilation and autonomy. In doing so, the research captured a vital snapshot of faith and diaspora in the contemporary urban landscape.


A series of sites were then selected for a granular-scale exploration of the tangible and intangible heritage of the community and their building. Using the site-integrity methodology, each congregation were directly involved in the capture and analysis of their own cultural heritage through a series of co-created film installations. This participatory approach explores new ways to empower faith communities, providing agency and fostering a sense of belonging to help represent their cultural heritage. Through this fieldwork, site-integrity encourages the generation of grassroots perspectives and insights by actively involving the faith community in the creative process.

The project is co-led by architectural historian Kate Jordan for more info, please visit: moving-pictures.info

Funded by Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in collaboration with Historic England.


SITE PERFORMANCE

Moving Pictures: Zoroastrian Centre
The Zoroastrian Centre for Europe, London

The Zoroastrian Centre, the former Grosvenor Cinema in Rayners Lane, adapted by ZTFE (Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe) was selected for a granular-scale exploration of the tangible and intangible heritage of the community and their building. Using the site-integrity methodology the congregation was directly involved in the capture and analysis of their own cultural heritage through a series of co-created film installations.


WORK IN PROGRESS

Moving Pictures: Nanaksar Gurdwara
Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple. Coventry


WORK IN PROGRESS

Moving Pictures: Azizye Mosque
Aziziye Mosque, London