Reflections on my Peer-Learning Visit to Nantes: A Journey Through Heritage and Remembrance
BLF Chair Asher Craig with founder of Nantes-based La Coque Nomade Fraternité, Dieudonne Boutrin.
I recently had the privilege of participating in a transformative three-day peer-learning visit to Nantes, France, alongside representatives from 14 cities across Europe. Our focus was on Nantes’ innovative urban renewal projects, which intertwined themes of remembrance, regeneration, and citizen involvement.
Before the official program began, I had the opportunity to meet with Emmanuel Williams and Dieudonné Boutrin, the founders of La Coque Nomade Fraternité. This association is committed to educating future generations about the history of slavery and discrimination, promoting diversity and social cohesion within Nantes. Their initiatives aim to raise awareness about the slave trade's historical impact through educational programs and community events that celebrate diversity and encourage open-mindedness.
One of the most striking aspects of La Coque Nomade Fraternité is the "La Fraternité-Coque Nomade," a mobile exhibit replicating the 18th-century slave ship Aurore. Thisinnovative project, once completed, will travel across France and internationally, fostering dialogue about the implications of slavery today. Excitingly, BLF are collaborating on an international project with La Coque Nomade, which aims to connect cities along the transatlantic triangular trade routes. More details on this will be shared in the New Year.
A pivotal moment during my visit was at the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, a site that poignantly commemorates the departure point for over 1,800 slave trading expeditions. This powerful memorial serves as a reminder of our past and highlights the importance of acknowledging history as we strive for a better future. The experience was overwhelming, leading me to return independently for deeper reflection on Nantes' role in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans.
Nantes’ commitment to involving its citizens in heritage policies is commendable. We were introduced to #NantesPatrimonia, a digital platform that empowers residents to share their stories and perspectives. This initiative presents a valuable opportunity for Bristol City Council to develop a similar space for residents to contribute their narratives about their neighbourhoods.
My journey through Nantes also included visits to revitalised factories and shipyards, now bustling cultural hubs. These sites exemplify the city’s dedication to green, digital, and social transformation. The sharing of best practices during our visit underscored how heritage can be woven into climate action initiatives, reinforcing the notion that our past informs our future.
This experience also highlighted the strength of European networks as cities work together to address shared challenges. I extend my gratitudeto our hosts, La Coque Nomade Fraternité, the City of Nantes, Nantes Métropole, and my fellow participants for an enlightening three days. A special thanks to the European Heritage Hub (including Eurocities) and European Union Co-funders (the Hub that established this 2 year peer learning programme is a partnership of 20 orgs including Eurocities).
As I reflect on the lessons learned, it’s clear that Bristol has much to gain from Nantes’ innovative approaches. I look forward to sharing my insights with city leaders and exploring how we can foster similar initiatives in our own city.
Written by Asher Craig.