Affinities | British Council

Affinities is a digital project that aims to bring people together, encouraging us to accept and celebrate our differences and look at what unites rather than separates us.

These illuminating personal stories of emigration and integration, of cultures enriching each other, of acceptance and belonging, are voiced by the diaspora and British people living in Ireland. Revelations about challenges, exchange and identity abound, as unearthed by director, actor, and arts and culture adviser Shevaun Wilder. Commissioned by the British Council, Shevaun conducted these interviews with a host of individuals, as chosen by her, from within the creative world. She also compiled the biographies and curated all digital content.

Check back soon for more profiles.

Sarah Glennie – Director, IMMA

Sarah Glennie, Director of IMMA, talks about her enthusiasm for the creative arts, integrating into Ireland's capital city and how, in Dublin, you're never too far from the sea.

Eimear McBride – Novelist and Writer

Eimear McBride is an award-winning novelist known for her experimentation with language and form. Here she discusses personal memories, the power of place and bohemian London.

Bernard O’Donoghue – Poet, Academic, Medievalist and Literary Critic  

Bernard O'Donoghue, an award-winning poet, originally hails from Cork but has spent much of his life in the UK. He reflects on split identities and the Irish in Oxford.

David Puttnam – Film Producer, Educator and Environmentalist

David Puttnam began his career in advertising before turning to and conquering the silver screen. In this interview he talks about his daring beginnings and his affinity with Ireland.

Ryland Teifi – Actor, Musician and Singer/Songwriter

Ryland Teifi is a Welsh actor and singer/songwriter with numerous accolades to his name. He comments here on the evolution of identity, the 'deep heart's core' and, naturally, music.