LEICESTER has been announced as one of seven cities across the UK, which is set to host a national art education project this summer, designed to transform understanding of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The World Reimagined will bring a trail of 10 stunning globe sculptures to the streets of Leicester from Saturday, August 13.
With themes such as ‘Mother Africa’ and ‘The Reality of Being Enslaved’, the globes will be created by both new and globally-recognised artists to highlight the reality and impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
And it’s not too late for local artists to get involved.
The call is now open for UK-based artists who would like to design one of the 10 fibreglass globes that will feature in the Leicester trail – with January 31 the deadline for entries.
Their designs will sit as part of a national programme that features a globe designed by the project’s founding artist Yinka Shonibare CBE – a Turner-prize nominee whose work has been showcased around the world.
The art trail will be the centre of a broader learning and community programme – with schools, community groups, sporting and cultural institutions from across Leicester taking part – and will deliver significant community benefit, as well as providing the city with a new and thought-provoking visitor attraction.
Members of the World Reimagined team will work closely with people and organisations across Leicester to ensure that the final trails and activities are deeply connected to Leicester’s communities, while schools have until 31 January to apply for bursaries and artist residencies as part of the project.
Leicester City Council is supporting The World Reimagined project with a £50,000 grant.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Sue Hunter, who leads on work to tackle racism and disadvantage, said: “This national project will help improve our understanding of a dark period of history that is perhaps not talked about enough – and by learning about the mistakes of the past, we can ensure they aren’t repeated in the future.
“Today, Leicester’s diversity is its strength and I hope that this stunning trail of artworks will inspire us to come together and imagine a future where everyone is treated with dignity – and where equality, diversity and racial justice are universally cherished.”
The World Reimagined will take place in Leicester from August 13– October 16.
Alongside Leicester, The World Reimagined will bring art trails to Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool City Region, London and Swansea – with 250+ schools and colleges taking part, and 2m+ visitors expected to engage with the trails.
For more information about The World Reimagined, visit: www.theworldreimagined.org
