A month to go until Swansea globes go live

​​​​​​​The people of Swansea are about to take a journey of discovery through a public art trail exploring their shared history – and how we can all help make racial justice a reality.

From August 13-October 31, The World Reimagined project will transform city centre streets with its free trail of globe sculptures.

Each artwork is being designed by an individual artist who is responding to a number of themes.

The trail takes place at the same time as trails in six other UK cities as The World Reimagined invites people to acknowledge this history, and support the work of brilliant community activists and organisations.

Supported by Swansea Council, the globes will bring people, families and communities together to talk about how we understand our history, how our past shapes our future and how we can act for social change.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “The World Reimagined is creating opportunities for artists, local organisations, colleges, schools and communities across the city.

“They’re getting involved as practitioners, participants, facilitators and leaders – and in around a month their work will be enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors to the city centre.

“Our Swansea activity not only involves collaboration to create a unique arts trail across the city and its communities, but is stimulating conversations about who we are, how we got here and what racial justice means to Swansea.

“Everybody involved is really looking forward to seeing the globes in place and peoples’ reactions to them.”

The globes have been created by artists from across the UK, bringing the city to life with diverse experiences and creative styles.

They include Abbi Bayliss, Hazel Blue, Laura Bolton, Joanna Cohn, Joshua Donkor, Parys Gardener, GE, Mfikela Jean Samuel and Carol Sorhaindo.

A globe has been created by Wales-based artist Kyle Legall in collaboration with local communities. Schools have also got involved, with globes being featured on the trail created by schools who have taken part in The World Reimagined learning programme this term.

Connected by a digital platform that enables visitors to dive into a unique heritage collection, the trail will include a number of locations. 

The trails are part of a broader programme encouraging and supporting conversations around racial justice that are already taking place in Swansea.

The World Reimagined last week announced the Swansea-based individuals and organisations who have been awarded grants through its INSPIRE programme –  African Community Centre and Sunshine Kitchen World.

Made possible by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the INSPIRE grants support these people and organisations to host their own events and activities so that trail visitors and communities can engage with the work of making racial justice a reality.

The grants celebrate and honour the work that has been done in the city over decades for racial justice and hope to grow their network and support base for the future.

Swansea City AFC has been keen to make a commitment to racial justice, the arts and education, joining UK-wide partners SKY (Official Presenting Partner) and supporters Bloomberg.

The trail will shine a bold new light on Swansea, along with a programme of events for all ages, running from August 13–October 31.

It will bring people together to exchange experiences, creativity, stories and ideas on some of the biggest questions for our future. The countdown is well underway and there is plenty going on for families throughout the summer months!

Local residents are invited to visit Swansea city centre from August 13 as people across the city reimagine the world – together.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)