Swansea residents can take a journey of discovery through a thought-provoking public art trail which launched this week.
The 10 globe sculptures designed by the artist are installed on streets and other places throughout the city center.
Local students have created others that will also be on display.
The globes, which are nearly six meters high, explore our shared history and how it has been shaped by the complex relationship we have with Africa and the Caribbean.
They aim to transform the way we understand the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans, its impact on all of us, and how we can make racial justice a reality.
From now until the end of October, the fiberglass globes will be on display as part of a UK-wide project called The World Reimagined, supported by official presenting partner SKY and Swansea Council.
Each globe has a different theme and has QR codes that, when scanned, can access a treasure trove of stories from our local and national history plus information from the artist who created the installation.
A local Swansea community launch will take place today at the National Water Museum from noon to 4pm.
Other events are planned to follow in the coming months.
In Swansea, city center visitors will be able to see the globes once they have been installed this week.
The council’s cabinet member Cllr Elliott King said: “Swansea is a diverse city, with more than 100 languages spoken here. We are proud to be an open and welcoming community with City of Sanctuary status.
“We believe World Reimagined will strengthen our communities’ ties to each other, encouraging people to think in new and positive ways about our past, present and future.
“We were determined to play a full part in this powerful project – it vividly reflects the council’s own approach to equality and the Arts.
“Creativity across culture is a force for unity and, like others in Swansea and around the world, we strengthened our commitment to racial equality in response to Black Lives Matter.
“We will not tolerate racial bias, discrimination, harassment, victimization, abuse or violence against any individual.
“We aim to serve and resonate with our communities fairly and positively; Our artistic and cultural activities reflect this.
“We signed on to The World Reimagined as a direct result of that commitment.”
The Swansea Globes are created by artists from across the UK. They include Abbi Bayliss, Hazel Blue, Laura Bolton, Joanna Cohn, Joshua Donkor, Parys Gardener, GE, Mfikela Jean Samuel and Carol Sorhaindo.
Globe locations include Swansea Castle, the Quadrant shopping center and the top of Princess Way.
A globe has been created by Wales-based artist Kyle Legall in collaboration with local communities. Schools are also involved, with a number of globes appearing on the trail created by pupils who have taken part in The World Reimagined learning programme. They can be found at the National Water Museum, the Grand Theater and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
Through a digital platform, people will be able to plan their trail enjoyment from this Saturday when full trail details will be released.
The trail will shine a brave new light on Swansea, along with its program of events for all ages, running from 13 August to 31 October.
It will bring people together to share experiences, creativity, stories and ideas on some of the biggest questions about our future.
Swansea City AFC, Swansea BID, University of Wales Trinity St Davids, Morganstone, Morgans Hotel and Swansea University have also been keen to make a commitment to racial justice, arts and education in Swansea, joining UK-wide partner SKY (Official Presenting Partner) and Bloomberg supporters.
The Swansea Trail runs at the same time as trails in six other UK locations.
Top photo – Artist Joshua Donkor, right, with Swansea Council cabinet member Elliott King and head of cultural services Tracey McNulty and the reimagined globe of Joshua’s world. It’s being installed for all to enjoy at the Quadrant Mall downtown. Photo: Swansea Council
To learn more, see www.theworldreimagined.org/
