Cultural spaces can become a sanctuary for homeless people

When I look back on my five-year journey at Arts and Homelessness International (AHI), I am overwhelmed with gratitude and a profound sense of accomplishment.

It's truly remarkable to think that someone like me, from a community often overlooked and undervalued, could find such a fulfilling job at AHI.

The homeless community is brimming with untapped skills and talents, and it's disheartening that these abilities often go unrecognised. But Matt Peacock, the visionary behind AHI, saw something in me when he offered me the job all those years ago.

I still vividly remember my first few days at AHI. It was an intimidating experience, as I found myself training the staff at Tate Modern on how cultural spaces can respond to homelessness.

This training, a collaboration between AHI and the Museum of Homelessness, was created with input from the homeless community, including myself.

We trained the management, duty managers, security team, and front-of-house staff for an event at Tate Modern called Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet by Gavin Bryars. This event involved the homeless community performing as backing singers as part of Streetwise Opera while spending 24 hours inside Tate Modern.

As someone who has experienced homelessness and battled addiction, the prospect of entering the prestigious Tate Modern for the first time to train them was utterly petrifying. I carried the weight of my past on my shoulders, constantly fearing that I wouldn't be taken seriously.

On that particular day, we encountered a problem with the room we were supposed to use, and I sought solace in a café at the front of the gallery. In that moment, it felt like my past was haunting me, making the situation even more overwhelming. I blamed myself, as if it was all my fault that I ended up in such circumstances.

Homelessness often brings a heavy burden of guilt, as if we are solely responsible for our own misfortunes and a burden on society. But the truth is, it's not our fault. We are not defined by our pasts, and we deserve to be seen, heard, and respected.

That experience opened my eyes to the true significance of cultural spaces for individuals like myself. They provide a refuge, a place where we can escape the hardships of our daily lives and immerse ourselves in the beauty of art.

Cultural spaces offer a sense of belonging and acceptance that is often lacking in society. They become a sanctuary where our voices are amplified and our stories are valued.

Cultural spaces have the power to transform lives. They ignite a spark of hope and inspiration, reminding us that there is beauty and potential within each and every one of us.

When I walked through the doors of the Tate that day, I was not just entering a gallery, but stepping into a world where my past did not define me. Surrounded by breathtaking artwork and a community of art enthusiasts, my friends and work colleagues, I felt a sense of belonging that I had long yearned for.

It is imperative that we recognise and celebrate the impact of cultural spaces on marginalised communities. They serve as a lifeline, offering support and opportunities for individuals who are often overlooked or dismissed.

Through the cultural spaces' response to homelessness training, we shed light on the transformative power of these spaces and the incredible work being done to make them more inclusive.

I firmly believe that cultural spaces have the power to heal, uplift, and empower individuals who have faced adversity. They offer a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times and remind us that we are not alone.

That is why helping cultural spaces understand my community is so important to me. I love busting some of those myths about my community and giving confidence to cultural spaces that want to bridge these communities but don't know where to start.

That's where our training can really make an impact.

Contact David at crazykula1975@gmail.com to find out more about support and training provided by AHI