Roma Archive and Cultural Centre

This fundraiser is organized by COMPAS.

Imagine a place where Roma history comes alive, where young people discover the stories of their ancestors and feel a deep sense of pride and belonging. A place where communities from all backgrounds can come together, learn from each other, and celebrate their shared humanity. This is the dream we are working towards, and we need your help to make it a reality.

Your generosity can make a world of difference. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to creating a space where Roma culture is honored and celebrated, where the voices of the past can inspire future generations.

By donating, you are not just giving money; you are giving hope, pride, and a sense of belonging to countless individuals. You are helping to create a beacon of understanding and acceptance in a world that often overlooks the beauty of diversity.

Together, let's celebrate, preserve, and share the vibrant culture of the Roma people.

We are thrilled to introduce the Baripen Roma Archive and Cultural Centre, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at celebrating Roma culture across the world, right here in the UK.

Our Vision

Baripen will be a vibrant cultural and community centre dedicated to preserving, reflecting on, and sharing the rich heritage of the Roma people. Our goal is to ensure that Roma history—from the past to the present—is not only remembered but also cherished and integrated into the broader cultural tapestry of the UK.

Why your support matters

By contributing to the Baripen project, you will be helping us achieve several critical objectives:

Preserve our heritage: Collect, restore, and maintain a comprehensive digital and physical archive of Roma history, including Holocaust archives and other significant historical materials that are at risk of being lost.
Celebrate our culture: Promote pride in Roma culture among young people, helping them connect with their heritage while gaining the confidence to integrate into their local communities.
Educate and challenge: Provide educational resources to both Roma and non-Roma communities, fostering understanding, combating discrimination, and challenging stereotypes.
Promote academic studies: Collaborate with international Roma centres to encourage scholarly research on Roma culture and history.
Advocate for human rights: Campaign for the rights of the Roma community, represent disadvantaged groups, and address ongoing injustices.

What We Will Achieve Together

Your support will enable us to create a lasting legacy that includes:

A podcast sharing Roma stories and experiences.
Digitised materials from our extensive archive.
Display materials and digitised oral histories.
Artworks reflecting the creativity and diversity of Roma culture.
A resilient organisation and community with the knowledge and skills to protect and share this valuable archive.
Envisioning the Baripen Space

The centre will feature:

Café/Restaurant: Offering employment opportunities and showcasing cultural cuisine.
Interactive Events: A space for conferences and gatherings, complete with parking facilities.
Reading Room/Study Space: A quiet area for research and reflection.
Display space: For permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Recording studio: To preserve verbal archives and cultural narratives.
Workshops and language Lessons: Promoting skills development and cultural education.
Timeline and storytelling areas: Sharing the rich history and stories of the Roma people.
Community space: For Roma and other communities to come together and collaborate.

To make this dream a reality, we are fundraising for the following costs:

Building - we aim to purchase or rent a building that will allow us to create a permanent exhibition and cultural centre.
Refurbishment and equipment (display units, cafe etc)
Staffing costs
Running costs and admin

Join Us in Making History

We believe that by preserving and sharing our heritage, we can empower the Roma community, foster pride and integration, and build a stronger, more inclusive society. Your donation will make a significant impact on this journey.

Together, let's celebrate, preserve, and share the vibrant culture of the Roma people. Thank you for your support!

For more information about Baripen or to get involved, please visit our website www.compas.org.uk.