Get inside my head #13

91 ways to build a global city

Now more than ever we need to celebrate our common humanity, by coming together to build bridges and unite against the voices which seek to divide us” Kalpna Woolf 2018

The dominant story of our times and the biggest threat to global peace is the persistent focus on our differences: from terror, negative rhetoric, intolerance and a deluge of confused information. And yet, in cities and communities across the UK, we are faced with the challenge of bringing our diverse communities together.

“We are a dynamic, social enterprise known as 91 Ways to Build a Global City, which was named after the 91 languages spoken in Bristol. Since 2015 we’ve collected recipes and food stories from many of Bristol’s language communities and helped to bring together groups who have never come into contact with one another before –bringing together over 12,000 people, speaking 40 languages, at over 152 events in schools, universities, places of worship, with community organisations and even on boats.

Since our first launch event, 91 Ways has kept growing and spawned all sorts of follow-ups: centrepiece mass meals at food festivals, local community events across the city and a roving pop up International Peace Café. All of this has not only brought together diverse communities across the city and showcased a myriad of world food cultures, but it has also provided an opportunity for a group of refugee women in Bristol – from Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea – to become part of the wider community, show off their local food cultures and develop skills to help them pursue fledgling catering careers.”