Hackney,
31
March
2022
|
08:00
Europe/London

Hackney to host groundbreaking arts and education project ‘The World Reimagined’

This summer, Hackney will welcome The World Reimagined globe trails - a series of specially-designed public artworks as part of a UK-wide art and education initiative. The project aims to transform how we understand the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact. 

The artworks, designed by high-profile artists from around the world, will link up with other London boroughs including the City of Westminster, Camden, Lambeth, Newham, and Southwark. Alongside London, The World Reimagined will see trails in six other cities across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool City Region and Swansea, with over 250 schools and colleges participating in an experiential learning programme and over 2 million visitors actively engaging with the trails.

Each trail will consist of 10 Globe sculptures: one for each of the nine themes of the World Reimagined’s ‘Journey of Discovery’. A tenth Globe designed by an artist in collaboration with community groups local to the trail will ensure the trail remains rooted to the local community.

The trails will form a 60-90 minute walking tour for Hackney residents and visitors, to learn more about the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the valuable contributions of diverse communities in Hackney and the UK. Primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in the borough can also access free learning resources created by The World Reimagined through collaborations between artists, experts and teachers.

Just some of the high profile artists involved include Zak Ové, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Lakwena Maciver, Maxim, Nicola Green and Kimathi Donkor. 

If we’re going to make racial justice a reality for all, it calls on us to courageously face our shared history with honesty, empathy and grace. If we do that, we can create a future in which everyone can say I’m seen. That’s the mission of The World Reimagined and we’re so delighted to work with the people and communities of London.

The response we’ve had so far from communities, artists, schools – everyone – across the country shows the desire for a multi-dimensional telling of our shared history – honouring the many people and organisations who have worked in pursuit of racial justice and extending an invitation to all to join the conversation. We hope you will join us.

Michelle Gayle, Co-Founder of The World Reimagined

Details on the locations of the globes and the full walking trail will be announced in the coming months. 

Notes to editors: 

About The World Reimagined: 

The World Reimagined is a ground-breaking, vibrant art education project to transform how we understand the Transatlantic slave trade and its impact on all of us so that we can make racial justice a reality, together. Supported by official presenting partner SKY, the project will see a trail of large Globe sculptures across seven cities including: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool City Region, London and Swansea. From August to October 2022, the globes will be displayed across these cities, inspiring and galvanising communities to better understand what it means to be Black and British. Bringing to life the reality and impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade by remembering the past, whilst still moving forward - celebrating the spirit and culture that has endured so much suffering. 

The trails are being delivered in partnership with global public art producers, Wild in Art, who have a proven track record of creating world-class events which entertain, enrich, inform, and leave a legacy. Previous work includes the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic mascot trail, the award-winning Bee in the City in Manchester, and Rockets around Leicester. The trails are at the centre of learning, community and heritage programmes that invite everyone to take part. www.theworldreimagined.org/ 

Follow the project on social media. Twitter | Instagram | Facebook #TheWorldReimagined