Belongingness is a global conversation about how we identity with each other and what that might tell us about ourselves. In very recent years, we have found ourselves renegotiating our relationship with our national identity, heritage, physical surroundings and our neighbours, due to mass displacement caused by changing political systems, climate change and a global pandemic.

A dramatic rise in the popularity of genetic ancestry tests demonstrates our human desire to feel connected to one another is more urgent than ever before. But what are we looking to find? And what do individuals and commercial organisations do with this information?

Putting themselves under the microscope, performance artist Raquel Andre and genetic scientist Dr. Sandra Romero purchased commercial ancestry tests to understand what it might mean to belong.

Making contact with their 3,000+ newly-identified global relatives, Raquel and Sandra held a series of conversations to learn about why participants are taking genetic tests and together, understand the complex interconnections that define their identities.

Capturing both our ephemeral and literal understandings of relationships, Belongingness, is a live project that seeks to understand our human desire to have a place in the world. What can we learn from each other? As we map our journey of new connections, Raquel and Sandra invite you to participate by sharing your stories of searching to belong.

Visit, discover the meetings that Raquel and Sandra had with their relatives and share your story!

Premier

April 2021 - online