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Type=image;ImageID=14686;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Works from the exhibition;TitleClass=strong;
Over a period of 2 years Black Country Visual Arts has brought together an exciting collection of 2,000 photographs exploring Punjabi migration to the City of Wolverhampton from the 1960s to the 1980s.
In this inaugural exhibition at the Lichfield Street gallery, visitors get a rare glimpse of 30 years of life captured by Punjabi families across the city from their own photographs and family albums.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: "By working with external partners across the city it has been possible for this exhibition to take place.
"We are extremely excited about extending this exhibition and giving visitors the chance to see how the Punjabi community have migrated to the City of Wolverhampton over the last 40 years."
Anand Chhabra, Black Country Visual Arts Director and Chair, said: "The Apna Heritage Archive exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery is the culmination of a 2 year project where 2,000 images were collected, 75 new portraits and ephemera relating to the early years of migration.
"It was essential for Punjabis who live in the city to identify with an exhibition from their own community as many Punjabis are not used to visiting or engaging with the arts.
"We believe this exhibition creates a wow factor where the community can feel they are part of the city's vibrant arts and culture scene and tell others to go and see it too - something they can feel proud about."
Also on display is a series of present day portraits from within the Punjabi community, and visitors can even take a family selfie in the mock 1970s photographic studio.
Apna Heritage Archive is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and has worked in partnership with the following groups: Guru Teg Bahadur Gurdwara, St Luke's Primary School, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton City Archives and the University of Wolverhampton.
- released: Tuesday 20 February, 2018