New artwork co-created by the local refugee community has been unveiled at Bath Spa Railway Station.
During the summer, Severnside Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and artist Kurda Yar facilitated free workshops for recently settled families, encouraging people of all ages to get creative and feel valued within their new community.
Working to the theme ‘Our Home’, the groups played with pens, watercolours and spray bottles to make brightly coloured imagery. Kurda encouraged the groups to be inspired by what ‘home’ meant to them, whether that was the people, the food or a safe space to rest.
Over 70 pieces of artwork were made, from which Kurda selected a few standalone images, and collaged the rest to create new artworks for the permanent display.
The project was generously supported by Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund and CrossCountry Trains’ Community Fund.
Faye Keane, Severnside CRP community development officer, said: “Our Home has enabled the Partnership to develop a closer relationship with the refugee community in Bath and the volunteers who support and welcome them to the city.
“It has been a delight working with the groups and understanding that what we call ‘home’ is more than just bricks and mortar, it is the people and the community around you.”
Artist Kurda Yar said: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to facilitate this art project with Great Western Railway, Severnside Community Rail Partnership and Bath Welcomes Refugees. The art pieces beautifully convey the message that Bath welcomes refugees.”
Sara Barna, Bath Welcomes Refugees social events co-ordinator, said: “The project has been a wonderful opportunity for positive representation of people Bath Welcomes Refugees supports. Everyone enjoyed participating in the workshops and their work has been beautifully combined and integrated into the finished pieces.”
Oana Apetroaie, Great Western Railway Station Manager, said: “This artwork will provide an eye-catching display for the thousands of customers passing through the station in the run-up to Christmas.
“We would like to congratulate artist Kurda Yar, Bath Welcomes Refugees and Severnside Community Rail Partnership for bringing such a meaningful project to fruition.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Severnside CRP via their website.
